hereistheend's review
3.0
This board (why) book might serve parents better than kids, offering questions and prompts for good conversations.
hlparis's review
4.0
A great primer for little ones that are forming their identity and trying to make sense of the world. By 2, children usually understand that they are separate from their mother. I think that, as the authors say in the beginning of the book, this is a book that can start the conversation, but it is something to go back to as the child matures and hits further developmental milestones. I particularly liked the gender conformity conversation about colors to wear (pink vs. blue) and toys to play (dolls vs. trucks) with as it is perpetuated in western culture.
When I was pregnant with my first child, we painted our expected child's room in a safari animal theme. It was gender neutral. I hated being asked if I was going to have a boy or girl. I felt so grateful that we were able to conceive and that my pregnancy was a healthy one. I often answered, "I'm hoping it isn't a monkey." I was aiming for a healthy human baby and that was all I cared about. Gender is emphasized in an unhealthy way so often and it has always rubbed me wrong, especially after I met people who were told the wrong gender before birth and families who lost their babies in late pregnancy or stillbirth.
It's refreshing to see this taking form in books that can be introduced at a young age. It can help children have a more inclusive and universal take on gender instead of the binary conformity I grew up with. Hopefully gender won't be the first thing we think of in the future when we think about a person, just like skin color, ability or any other physical feature. I'm working on breaking down those things I learned so many years ago.
When I was pregnant with my first child, we painted our expected child's room in a safari animal theme. It was gender neutral. I hated being asked if I was going to have a boy or girl. I felt so grateful that we were able to conceive and that my pregnancy was a healthy one. I often answered, "I'm hoping it isn't a monkey." I was aiming for a healthy human baby and that was all I cared about. Gender is emphasized in an unhealthy way so often and it has always rubbed me wrong, especially after I met people who were told the wrong gender before birth and families who lost their babies in late pregnancy or stillbirth.
It's refreshing to see this taking form in books that can be introduced at a young age. It can help children have a more inclusive and universal take on gender instead of the binary conformity I grew up with. Hopefully gender won't be the first thing we think of in the future when we think about a person, just like skin color, ability or any other physical feature. I'm working on breaking down those things I learned so many years ago.
black_flamed_candle_b00ks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
jbarry9815's review
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Great book for discussing gender with young children
heisereads's review
4.0
An honest, straight-forward, and strong addition to books addressing gender for our youngest children. Written by experts, it approaches terms and concepts in a developmentally appropriate way while encouraging thoughtful reflection and participation from the reader. A guide to terms for grown ups in the back adds value for approaching these conversations with young children. Ultimately, this book is about helping kids to be more accepting of others and seeing that the diversity of our world is what makes is great, while driving home the message that how they truly feel inside is what matters most.
yapha's review
5.0
A great book for starting (and continuing) conversations about gender, gender roles, and gender norms. I wish it was available in a non-board book format as well, it is suitable for children well into elementary school. Highly recommended for preK & up.
widfarend's review
3.0
Such an important topic, but going along with what other reviewers are saying, I think it's A LOT of information for a board book. (Not that board books are strictly for very small children, but generally, that is the targeted audience.) I would recommend for preschoolers and older (including adults). I really like the question prompts, it's a great conversation starter. And the illustrations are beautiful and inviting. Also, I didn't realize that "Feminist" is a general term for gender activism (as stated in this book). Personally, I do not consider myself a feminist but absolutely support gender equality, so I'd like to look into this more. Overall a great book!