Our recommended books for early years and KS1 have been selected by our expert Destination Reader and Daily Supported Reading teams, partners and libraries across Hackney. Stay tuned for engaging books for children aged 0 to 7.
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Early years and KS1 book recommendations
Julian is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love
Year group
Year 1 and 2
Publisher
Candlewick Press / Walker Books
Why this book?
Julian is a Mermaid has won countless awards for a reason. A beautifully illustrated picture book tells a simple story, celebrating being your true self and acceptance, and can be a powerful tool in changing mindsets in schools. First time author Jessica Love, described this book as ‘a story about being seen for who we are by someone who loves us.’
About the author
Jessica Love is an American author, illustrator and theatre actress. Julián is a Mermaid was her debut book, praised by critics and winner of the Stonewall Book Award and the Klaus Flugge prize. She was inspired to write it by a personal experience where a family found it hard to explain gender identity to the children. Love wanted to write a book ‘from inside the child’s experience, rather than at the child.’
Synopsis
On a train trip with his Nana, Julian sees three women dressed up in beautiful mermaid outfits. He is captivated by this and Love’s illustrations give the reader a wonderful insight into Julian’s imagination. Back at home, Julian endeavours to make his own costume but he worries about what his Nana will think. What happens is a heart-warming message to all about the importance of self-confidence and acceptance.
Style
The story is gently told by Love’s colourful, powerful illustrations where the facial expressions and simple actions move the story along. The text is, in essence, a conversation between a boy and his Nana, drawing us in to empathise with the innocence of Julian under the watchful, caring eye of his grandmother.
Themes
Love likens drag to ‘professional make believe … the same kind of dead serious play that children do’ This book resonated for me as a teacher as too many times I’ve seen boys completely immersed in dressing up in a classroom who then get comments or meet an adult’s eye and feel embarrassed. Julian is a mermaid is a great reminder that we should all be more tolerant and accepting but also that we should have fun being ourselves.
Perfect for...
Storytime and a whole school focus on the themes
Kathleen O'Connor, Teaching and Learning Consultant
Kathleen has for over 25 years experience in primary education and currently works as an Associate Deputy Headteacher and Teaching and Learning Consultant for Hackney Education. She works on our Destination Reader and Daily Supported Reading Team, advising on Primary Literacy and working intensively with schools to support leadership and train, monitor and coach teachers and literacy-leads.