Julian Blooms

by Phoebe Fox, Melissa Bailey (Illustrator)

Overview

Julian Blooms is the heart-warming story of a late-bloomer peacock. Written by award-winning author Phoebe Fox, it is a 32-page picture book with artwork by Melissa Bailey (illustrator of over 50 books for children).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780996744591
Publisher:	Mamafox Books
Publication date:	04/14/2023
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	1 - 8 Years

About the Author

Phoebe Fox has a BA in Early Childhood Development and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a former elementary school librarian, now an award-winning author of books for children. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her handsome husband, three boisterous boys, and two delightful dogs.

Melissa Bailey is an award-winning illustrator, author, and smiley person. (Seriously. She smiles all the time.) Melissa is the author-illustrator of two books and illustrator of over 50! When she's not in her studio splashing paint or typing away at her keyboard, she's probably outside walking her poodles, who demand at least two walks a day. If it's too dark for walks, she might be cooking (and eating), binging old TV shows, drawing, or avoiding doing the dishes.

Editorial Reviews

2023-05-08
A peachick wants to grow up to be like his brothers in Fox’s picture book.

When peachick Julian hatches under a banyan tree, he longs to keep pace with his brothers. He’s too small for games of Birdie in the Middle and Kick the Coconut. He’s too unsteady to fly and too soft-spoken to make shrill bird calls. Each time he feels smaller than everyone else, he retreats to the banyan tree’s comfort, where his mother reminds him, “Julian, you are wonderful. You’ll bloom when you’re ready.” When the seasons change and his brothers fly away, Julian must step up in a moment of crisis. In this simple, beautiful fable, the author aptly presents a peacock’s developmental journey as a metaphor for growth, beginning with Julian’s genuine longing to mature and ending with him realizing his potential. Bailey’s illustrations, with their muted colors, accentuate the narrative’s gentle theme while appealing to a young audience—especially those who might be smaller in stature or longing to grow like their bigger siblings, neighbors, or friends. It might have strengthened reader engagement if Julian had been portrayed as a more active protagonist, but this remains a sweet story with a unique concept.

A comforting reminder to young ones that, with patience, growth will come.

Kirkus Reviews

"A comforting reminder to young ones that, with patience, growth will come."

- Kirkus Reviews

"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, 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."

- BookLife Reviews, Editor's Pick

"Phoebe Fox has created a simple yet captivating picture book that adults can easily use to help address a child's insecurities about their abilities and potential for growth. Melissa Bailey provides lovely illustrations that bring Julian's personality to life in appealing ways. Libraries and readers seeking picture book stories that provide a message of encouragement will find Julian Blooms a delightful story of growth."

- Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher