GRADE LEVEL: PreK-3
AUTHOR: Jessica Love
GENRE: FICTION
BOOK AWARDS:
Stone Wall Book Awards-Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children's &Young Adult Literature Awards
REVIEW:
Recently my ten-year-old son, Charlie, and I had the opportunity to spend time in my favorite book store The Briar Patch in downtown Bangor, Maine. While Charlie explored a new game with the shop owner, I browsed the LBGTQ section. It did not take long before my eyes were drawn to the stunning cover of the children's book "Julian Is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love. My hand instinctively reached for the book, and I settled on a small stool, excited to explore past the cover--I was not disappointed. The illustrations and the words are beautifully intertwined, working together to deliver a message of acceptance, diversity, and love. The story relies on very few words as the illustrations are the real storyteller here. I was entranced by the artist's ability to make me feel Julian's journey, feeling the emotional celebration as Julian dances and celebrates who he is with the support of his abuela. This book is wonderful for any age as it is a piece of art meant to be admired, but for younger children needing less words and more illustrations, this book can open their eyes to a population of society that is not only overlooked, but misunderstood and under-appreciated. The relationship between Julian and his abuela is an inspiration to children and adults alike as we don't often see children's books reflect a family relationship that is not only accepting of an LBGTQ child, but one that celebrates it.
** a quick note. I have not included a link to Amazon or another cooperate online book store to find the book. I did include a link to The Briar Patch because I love this local bookstore, and I want to continue to support it. What local book stores are in your area? Do you have a favorite?
CLASSROOM TOOL BOX:
Please Feel Free to Share Your Own Ideas and Lessons!
AUTHOR: Jessica Love
GENRE: FICTION
BOOK AWARDS:
Stone Wall Book Awards-Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children's &Young Adult Literature Awards
REVIEW:
Recently my ten-year-old son, Charlie, and I had the opportunity to spend time in my favorite book store The Briar Patch in downtown Bangor, Maine. While Charlie explored a new game with the shop owner, I browsed the LBGTQ section. It did not take long before my eyes were drawn to the stunning cover of the children's book "Julian Is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love. My hand instinctively reached for the book, and I settled on a small stool, excited to explore past the cover--I was not disappointed. The illustrations and the words are beautifully intertwined, working together to deliver a message of acceptance, diversity, and love. The story relies on very few words as the illustrations are the real storyteller here. I was entranced by the artist's ability to make me feel Julian's journey, feeling the emotional celebration as Julian dances and celebrates who he is with the support of his abuela. This book is wonderful for any age as it is a piece of art meant to be admired, but for younger children needing less words and more illustrations, this book can open their eyes to a population of society that is not only overlooked, but misunderstood and under-appreciated. The relationship between Julian and his abuela is an inspiration to children and adults alike as we don't often see children's books reflect a family relationship that is not only accepting of an LBGTQ child, but one that celebrates it.
** a quick note. I have not included a link to Amazon or another cooperate online book store to find the book. I did include a link to The Briar Patch because I love this local bookstore, and I want to continue to support it. What local book stores are in your area? Do you have a favorite?
CLASSROOM TOOL BOX:
- This book is great for showing children how words and illustrations can help tell a story. You may even use it as a way to introduce students how to pick their own illustrations and write their own books with storybird.com. You can introduce theme or messages in a book by discussing what they feel the message is in "Julian Is a Mermaid." Can they create a book that has a message that could teach someone something or help a reader learn something?
- Art teachers and classroom teachers might have kids tell their own stories using just pictures and very few words. If they don't like to draw, students can cut out images and put them together. Ask the student to let the images tell the reader something about themselves or about a relationship that is important. Why is that relationship important? Maybe make a handout the has boxes to draw in like a storyboard and prompt students in each box.
- Students can write a review of the book. Help them decide what areas of the book are important to give their opinion on and to support why they liked that element of the book.
LINKS TO OTHER CLASSROOM TOOL BOX IDEAS:
Please Feel Free to Share Your Own Ideas and Lessons!
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