Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes

Gravel’s colorful but not very saturated webcomics-style illustrations have strong visual appeal with their pithy speech bubbles, frameless panels, and interactive elements.

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. (Mar.)

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