Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Mesmerizing and full of heart, this is a picture book about self-confidence and love, and a radiant celebration of individuality.
 
While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?
 
Beautifully illustrated and joyously inclusive, Julian is a Mermaid has a good claim to being the most progressive picture book of the decade. But even aside from the positive messages of tolerance and identity, Love’s future classic is a riot of colour, wit and glorious humanity.
 
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Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2019
Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2019