Books like Julian is a mermaid

A sun-drenched, tender celebration of being seen, loved, and celebrated exactly as you are. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Julian is a mermaid.

sun-drenched
dreamy
exuberant
warm

01
And Tango Makes Three
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
A tender, true-to-life celebration of love that proves families are built on care, not convention.
Shares:
- warm
- joyful
- gentle
- unconditional love
02
The Secret World of Mermaids
Jordan Quinn
A brisk, wondrous chapter book where an accidental plunge reveals a forbidden underwater realm and tests the boundaries of an ancient royal pact.
Shares:
- gentle
03
Juliet takes a breath
Gabby Rivera
A messy, vibrant, and deeply earnest summer of self-discovery, queer joy, and learning that your heroes are only human.
Shares:
- tender
04
Hurricane Child
Kacen Callender
A lush, stormy exploration of grief, first love, and the spirits that haunt us, set against a vividly rendered Caribbean backdrop.
Shares:
- tender
05
The rainbow fish
J. Alison James · 1996
A shimmering, gentle fable about discovering that true beauty lies in what we give away.
Shares:
- warm
- gentle
06
Fish Girl
David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli
A visually driven tale of aquatic isolation and the transformative power of a single friendship.
Feels:
- aquatic
- wistful
- wondrous
07
This Book is Gay
James Dawson
A witty, warm, and radically candid handbook for navigating the messy, joyful realities of queer identity.
Shares:
- warm
- affirming
08
Luna
Julie Anne Peters
A poignant, secretive exploration of sibling bonds and the tense, beautiful journey of a transgender teen preparing to show her true self to the world.
Shares:
- tender
09
Heather has two mommies
Lesléa Newman · 1989
A warm, affirming embrace of a picture book that celebrates the simple truth that love is what makes a family.
Shares:
- warm
- affirming
- gentle
- unconditional love
10
The pisces
Melissa Broder
A sun-drenched, psychologically complex summer haze where heartbreak meets surreal, seductive fantasy.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
11
I am Jazz
Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
A gentle, brightly colored embrace of a book that celebrates the simple, profound truth of knowing exactly who you are.
Shares:
- warm
- affirming
- gentle
12
Last Stop on Market Street
Matt de la Peña
A vibrant, soulful journey through the city that teaches us to find magic and beauty in the everyday.
Shares:
- warm
- gentle

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