Julian Is a Mermaid is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Julian Is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love is a heartwarming story about self-expression, acceptance, and the power of unconditional love. When Julian sees a group of mermaids on the subway, he becomes enchanted by their beauty and grace, dreaming of becoming a mermaid himself. Inspired by his imagination, Julian decides to create his own mermaid costume using materials he finds at home. However, he worries about how his abuela will react. To his delight, his abuela lovingly embraces Julian's true self and helps him fully embrace his mermaid identity. With stunning illustrations and a touching narrative, the book celebrates individuality, family acceptance, and the freedom to be true to oneself.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Practice making inferences throughout the story and after reading.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Teach a lesson on the different types of sentences.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace
- Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
- Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
- The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
- Spork by Kyo Maclear
- Gaston by Kelly Dipucchio
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
