This character is so fun and I loved getting to read more from this author

Oh I have many thoughts on this book......some are good and some are not so good.

What I liked:

As noted in other reviews, the color palate and illustrations are a pure delight. I thought they were in Julian in the Mermaid and now, with the background of a wedding.....gorgeous!

Inclusivity is still the front and center storyline and I love that. Especially for representation's sake. There is an LGBT wedding that will be appreciated by many audiences. And the friendship between Julian and his new pal, Marisol is sweet.

What I disliked:

I do struggle with "what's the point." Unlike Julian and the Mermaid, I could really tell the hope, the message, of the book. But here, now, I don't. Julian and Marisol get into exploits and have to find "wings to soar". Is there a message deeper than that? I wish I knew.

I find it interesting to be reading this book in light of the discussion I have been having at school. To my knowledge, Jessica Love isn't a part of the LGBT community. Should she be? Don't communities deserve to be represented by people of their own voice? Again, this is not a major make or break for me, but it does get me thinking.

Personally, I think Julian and the Mermaid is infinitely more superior to this one. ( )

"Juliane at the Wedding" by Jessica Love is a beautiful story that celebrates love and diversity. The story follows Juliane, a young girl with two moms, as she attends a wedding and learns about the different forms of love that exist in the world. Through her experiences, Juliane discovers that love is love, no matter what form it takes. This story is an excellent addition to any classroom because it promotes acceptance and inclusivity. It teaches children about different family structures and encourages them to embrace diversity. Additionally, the story's vibrant illustrations and relatable characters make it engaging and enjoyable for young readers. ( )

Mermaid-loving Julián is back!

Julián and Abuela arrive at an outdoor wedding on a green lawn (discerning eyes will spy the Statue of Liberty in the distance). Both meet friends at the wedding: Abuela, a familiar friend, and Julián, a new one, Marisol. Julián and Marisol are part of the wedding, which the text proclaims is “a party for love.” Julián holds the leash of Gloria, the brides’ dog, and Marisol—whose baseball cap has been swapped out for a flower crown—tosses petals. Later, after Marisol gifts Julián the flower crown, Marisol, Julián, and Gloria run off to the “fairy house,” or weeping willow. Marisol and Gloria have such fun that muddy paws aren’t a thought...until Marisol’s peach-pink dress is covered in paw prints. But never fear, innovative Julián is here! With the help of the fairy house, all’s well that ends well: Marisol’s hat is returned, the brides welcome the pair back, and everyone celebrates love. Love’s media, applied, as in the previous book, on brown paper, create colors that appear simultaneously soft and vibrant. Most of the main characters present Black or have brown skin. As established in the previous book, Julián and Abuela are Afro-Latinx, and Abuela’s friend and Marisol are also cued Latinx.

A celebration of weddings and a subtle yet poignant reminder that gender, like love, is expansive. Lovely. (Picture book. 4-8.)

-Kirkus Review

This story follows Julián who is going to a wedding. He is excited because he is going to be in the wedding with his cousin. Julian is a vibrant character that accepts and embraces himself. I think this is a good book for the classroom because of the beautiful illustrations and the story is wholesome. ( )