Pink, Blue, and You!

January 1, 2022
Where do our ideas and assumptions about gender come from, and how might they be holding us back? Gravel and Blais--who is transgender--invite young readers to reflect on these questions. The book explains the difference between biological sex and gender identity, teaches about gender inclusive pronouns, and offers a capsule history of gender norms, showing how they have varied cross-culturally and throughout time. Children will also learn about the tough realities of gender stereotyping, gender inequality, gender policing, and homophobia. One double-page spread is devoted to affirming the multitude of gendered family structures that exist. The authors unequivocally make the case for gender diversity and gender parity using concrete, kid-friendly examples. Designed to prompt conversation, the book directly poses questions to readers such as "Do you think all people should be allowed to love whoever they want?" and "Should we feel bad about doing the things we like?" This strategy is mostly effective but at times undermines the potential for emotional resonance. Little attention is paid to social movements oriented around gender issues, although a few individual changemakers, like Malala Yousafzai, are highlighted. Unfortunately, the text often feels like an exercise in preaching to the choir; transphobes and critics of gender ideology aren't likely to be convinced that this rather didactic book holds value for youngsters in their care. Gravel's colorful but not very saturated webcomics-style illustrations have strong visual appeal with their pithy speech bubbles, frameless panels, and interactive elements. An emollient and digestible distillation of complex issues. (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 31, 2022
Collaborating with Blais, who is transgender, author-illustrator Gravel offers an examination of gender stereotypes, employing a series of probing questions and speech bubbles that invite readers to consider gender identity and its attendant connotations: “Look at these pictures. Are some for girls? Are some for boys? Are some for everyone?” (Images include “blue things,” “pink things,” “makeup,” and “trucks.”) Definitions and examples of sex, gender identity, pronouns, and more are explained concisely, followed by historical examples of exclusionary laws, rules, and social mores, such as legislature against marriage equality. Brief inclusion of real-life trailblazers—including Sarah McBride, the first transgender woman elected to the state senate—also feature. The book occasionally feels wide-ranging, but Gravel’s distinctive bug-eyed cartoons, rendered in pen and ink and digitally, imbue levity. Back matter includes fun facts about gender and clothing. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from February 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-In her signature style, Gravel (What Is a Refugee?" and others) and Blais provide an accessible introduction to gender and gender stereotypes. Beginning with smart, open-ended questions, the authors challenge readers to think about gender stereotypes, why they exist, and if they are true or fair. The book progresses to an overview of sex versus gender, complete with helpful visual aids, an exploration of pronouns, and ultimately, a few examples of how gender is treated in different communities. At each step, the authors ask readers what they think and how they feel. This engagement, coupled with the accessible presentation of the material, makes for an excellent resource. The folks depicted throughout vary in appearance, and include many skin tones, ages, and family structures. A few folks wear hijabs, and two others use wheelchairs. Gravel's illustrative style is wildly appealing, and the comic-style presentation helps to endear the book to readers. A slight weakness is the homogeneity of illustrated body type, though this is not enough to diminish the book's overall value. VERDICT Thoughtful, engaging, and visually bright, this is an excellent addition to any library serving preschool and early elementary ages.-Taylor Worley

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 Pink things, blue things, fart jokes, princesses. "Are some for girls? Are some for boys? Are some for everyone?" Gravel and Blais, who is transgender, offer simple yet effective open-ended questions that build on one another, allowing children (either on their own or in conversation with caregivers, educators, and others) to consider gender stereotypes and gender identity. A quick biology lesson also acknowledges the difference between sex and gender. Gravel's softly shaped, endearing comics feature kids and adults with various skin colors, hair styles, clothing, and physical abilities and speech bubbles stating their thoughts and affirmations. The text progresses to related topics on pronouns, diversity in families and loving relationships, and respect. In addition, it briefly looks at gender inequities in the workplace (e.g., men not encouraged to work in caregiving roles) and changemakers (e.g., Sarah McBride, a transgender state senator in Delaware). A final "fun facts" spread presents light trivia about gender and clothing in history (e.g., countries where men wear skirts). A gentle way to introduce or reaffirm gender identity in young readers.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2022
Open-ended questions encourage readers to consider our assumptions about gender. "Who made these rules? Do we need to follow them? What happens if we don't want to?" An opening double-page spread of labeled images -- e.g., "blue things," "pink things," "ballet," "building blocks" -- gets the conversation started, asking "Are some for girls? Are some for boys? Are some for everyone?" Gravel's friendly cartoon drawings welcome all readers to a thoughtful discussion of gendered language, identity, laws, and unspoken rules that try to proscribe what men and women can and can't do. A handful of gender pioneers are introduced, including the first male U.S. Army nurse; a Zuni Mexican two-spirit person; and girls' rights advocate, Malala Yousafzai. A list of related websites is included on the copyright pages; "Fun facts about gender and clothing" concludes the book.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)