Julián is una sirena by Jessica Love. Translation by Georgina Lázaro. Candlewick Press, 2024, c2018. 9781536228564
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? I’m thrilled that there is now a Spanish edition of this beloved multi-award-winning picture book. Incandescent watercolor and ink illustrations show the child Julián as he imagines his greatest wish – to be a mermaid. His abuela helps him find the perfect dress-up items at home, and they go off to watch a wondrous parade of mermaid queens at the beach. The Spanish translation is a perfect mirror of the original English, which was half Spanish itself.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? A wonderful offering for Spanish speakers who like flights of the imagination, and for those who want to see diversity of gender and race in picture books.
Who should buy this book? All Spanish language collections that serve young children.
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Whether English or Spanish, yes.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: May 2, 2024
Youth Services Book Review 
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