In this tender ode to late bloomers, young peachick Julian doesn’t fit in—he’s small, bad at flying and bird calls, and sports a signature pair of giant round red glasses—but his mother assures him that he’s wonderful and he’ll “bloom when you’re ready.” Melissa Bailey’s minimalist spot illustrations pair with the straightforward text to create a clear narrative and sets the scene for Julian’s triumphant moment. With its refrain of “you’ll bloom when you’re ready” and its inviting soft watercolor illustrations, Julian Blooms is sure to uplift late bloomers, regardless of their age and remind us that we all have unique talents, they just show up at different times for different people.Though embracing what makes you different is a common theme in children’s literature, the focus on being a late bloomer sets Julian Blooms apart, as Fox takes opportunities to lightly touch on other often related topics, such as sibling rivalry (Julian is always depicted in opposition to his brothers) and self-doubt. The shifting color palette gives nonverbal clues to readers that Julian is not only growing up, but also gaining confidence, just by looking at his colorful feathers and the suddenly lush ferns surrounding the banyan tree he finds refuge in throughout the story.
Simple in concept but thoughtfully executed, Julian Blooms is a heartfelt and uplifting read for any reader who struggles with concerns of not being like others or feeling behind in development. Julian is an easy character to root for, with his oversized glasses, small body, and charming face, and even readers fortunate enough to feel confident in themselves will find empathy for the little bird. Included at the end of the book are facts about peafowl, including the difference between peahens (females) and peacocks (males), and what they eat. This is a quiet but powerful story that belongs in the hands of any late bloomer and those who love them.
Takeaway: Late bloomers will appreciate the tender story of a peachick finding his power.
Comparable Titles: Kevin Henkes’s Waiting, Maya Myers’s Not Little.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
