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Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Pink, Blue, and YOU! Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypes, written by Elise Gravel with Mykaell Blais and illustrated by Elise Gravel. Penguin Random House, 2022. $23.99 ages 6 and up

 


"No matter who we are, what we like, 
how we feel, how we dress, and 
what our body looks like, 
we ALL deserve to be 
loved, protected, and respected.
"

Elise Gravel is skilled at presenting clear, useful, and needed information in books that beg to be read with kids. Whether it's at home with family, or at school with classmates, she wants them to have conversations and ask questions. 

This book about gender and stereotypes offers a clear explanation for every person's right to be who they are. So much is ingrained in societal and cultural expectations that are often detrimental to a person's wellbeing. Our kids need to know that they can be, live, think about the world on their own terms. With transgender collaborator Mykaell Blais, Ms. Gravel asks questions that encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion. 

They begin with a double-page spread of items often thought to be things for things for girls or boys, not girls and boys. Why is that? Is it true that certain things can only be used by one or the other. It is a great start.  Who made the rules? Are we meant to follow them? What happens if we do not? As you can see, these are questions to be answered by each one of us, not only our children. 

The text is conversational and direct, the familiar colorful artwork is appealing, and there is opportunity for discussion at every turn of the page. Gender identity and use of pronouns build understanding. History, with its many laws and rules, has resulted in beliefs still held by many. Are those laws fair? 

"Men should love women, 
and women should love men! 

Why? We love each other, and 
we're happy this way.
"

Today, the world is changing. Families don't always look the way they once did. But change is slow. Thinking differently takes time. The world is learning to adjust. Who makes up your family? As parents, caregivers, and teachers we can use this book to encourage further understanding and curiosity about the world we inhabit.                                                                          


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