Julian is a Mermaid

When Julian and his abuela are on the subway he sees three women dressed as mermaids, with long hair and brightly coloured flowing gowns, and Julian imagines himself as a mermaid. When they reach home he immediately begins to transform himself into a mermaid with curtains, plants, and lipstick and when his abuela sees him she takes him by the hand and leads him to the mermaid parade where Julian is surrounded by love and a feeling of belonging. This contemporary picture book for K-3 is suitable as a read-aloud to explore and discuss themes of individuality, personal preferences, diversity, inclusiveness, gender identity, acceptance, and gender-specific interests.