I love you just the way you are

In her debut book, JULIAN IS A MERMAID, author and illustrator Jessica Love shows us how to love someone when their interests break gender norms.

Characters: Julian, Abuela (Grandmother), mermaids (drag queens)

Theme: gender identity, love, relationships

Conflict: Acceptance

Plot: After swimming, Julian is on the subway, riding home with his Abuela, and notices the beautiful mermaids on the subway. At home, Abuela needs a bath and tells Julian to be good. Does good mean using Abuela's curtains, flowers, and ferns to invent a mermaid costume for himself?

When Abuela returns with items from her bedroom to complete Julian's costume he knows she loves him just the way he is.

Setting: City pool, subway, apartment, beach