Julian at the Wedding

In this story Julian and his Nana, who readers first met in the award-winning Julian is a Mermaid, are off to a wedding along with their friends Marisol and her Nana. There are special jobs for Julian, who is tasked with looking after the brides’ dog and for Marisol who is a flower girl. In addition to the feasting and dancing Julian and Marisol have fun hiding under the tables and playing games in a willow tree, which in their imagination becomes a fairy house. When Marisol’s dress gets muddy Julian comes up with an imaginative solution, creating a wonderful costume for her. Fortunately, the grownups are pleased to find them again and glad they have had fun, they are not at all perturbed by the messy clothes.

This is a joyful, exuberant story about friendship, fun and celebration. Featuring a same sex marriage, it gently encouraging acceptance. Julian’s characteristically flamboyant outfit suggests confidence in being yourself. The text includes a lovely definition of a wedding as ‘a party for love.’

There is lots to notice in the beautiful and detailed illustrations which glow on the brown paper background. Spend time lingering over the delightful wordless double page spreads and don’t miss the wonderful end papers and title page where the story begins and ends.