KidsLIVE! Author Talk With Jessica Love
Join us for a special author talk as the Library marks Banned Books Week (October 1–7). On Tuesday, October 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, we will be talking to author Jessica Love about two of her books, Julián is a Mermaid, and Julián at the Wedding. There will be a Q&A with the author and the audience, then we will do a drawing session with Jessica—so bring your paper, pencils and whatever you like to color with.
Register to receive a Zoom link to attend via live stream or join a watch party at Jerome Park Library, Harry Belafonte Library, Parkchester Library, St. Agnes Library, or Hamilton Grange Library.
Borrow Jessica Love’s Books from the Library
Julián is a Mermaid
written and illustrated by Jessica Love
When Julián notices three women dressed like mermaids on the subway, he dreams of becoming a mermaid himself, but worries what his abuela might think.
Julián at the Wedding
written and illustrated by Jessica Love
Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It's not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side.
I Love You Because I Love You
written by Muon Van; illustrated by Jessica Love
This heartfelt book details all the big and small reasons why we love the people we do within an affirming call-and-response format featuring families across the spectrum.
Looking for more books like Julián at the Wedding? Check these out:
Jacob's New Dress
written by Ian Hoffman and Sarah Hoffman; illustrated by Chris Case
Jacob, who likes to wear dresses at home, convinces his parents to let him wear a dress to school too.
Neither
written by Airlie Anderson
Because Neither is unlike both the rabbits and birds of the Land of This and That, it sets out to find a new place where all kinds of creatures are welcome.
My Rainbow
written by Trinity Neal and DeShanna Neal; illustrated by Art Twink
A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal.
Here are some at-home activities inspired by Julian:
Rip Art Self-Portraits
Use ripped paper to represent yourself realistically or wishfully. Would you have a tiara? Be taller? Have longer or shorter hair? Or you can represent yourself or someone you know as a mermaid! What colors would they be?
Local Water Scavenger Hunt!
Julián goes with a grown up to the local pool. Let’s take a dive into your neighborhood! Can you find all the places where water exists? Do you have a local pool or splash pad you could visit? Draw a map to tell us where you found water and mark your locations with fun stickers!
Want to learn more about Jessica Love?
Learn more about this author on Jessica's website.
KidsLIVE programs are sponsored by the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
For ASL, CART, or other accommodations, please email accessibility@nypl.org