What Are You?

An insufficient attempt to address the complexity of identity.

Curato's cartoonish dogs in soft colors give an inviting look to this story about a conversation that will be all too familiar to many kids, and the final pages, showing a trio of children having a similar conversation, drive that point home.

After enjoying a game with two new poodle acquaintances, a puggle faces an unexpected question from its playmates: "What are you?" Proudly, it replies: "I am a dog!" Learning that the puggle is a cross between a beagle and a pug, the poodles make inferences about what it might be "good at." All pugs are skilled at hula hoop, they insist, and all beagles are adept with pogo sticks. The puggle smartly--and without rancor--turns the tables: after asking the poodles what they're good at ("Lots of things!"), it follows up with, "Are you good at those things because you are poodles?" Now the poodles understand the folly of making others fit into biased notions of identity; one is adept at things because "I like them and I practice and I am me." Trimmer (The Little Things) employs matter-of-fact dialogue to keep the stereotype-prompted conversation squarely focused on curiosity and empathy, while cotton candy-hued, marker-style digital art by Curato (Where Is Bina Bear?) lends the same vibe to the characters' interplay. A human variation of the conversation opens up to a reader-equipping discussion guide. Ages 3-6. Agent (for Trimmer and Curato): Brenda Bowen, Book Group. (Oct.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--Two poodles question another dog's breed, which is puggle: half pug, half beagle. Once the breed is identified, the poodles make broad stereotypes about the pup. For instance, all pugs are good at hula-hooping, and all beagles are good at pogo sticks. The puggle explains that what the puggle likes and does is based on individual preference, not a "breed." In essence, this story boils down complicated stereotypes about race, culture, and gender into a simple allegory for young readers. Back matter includes discussion questions written by a child psychologist to help adults guide conversations about stereotypes. Curato brings mastery to the discussion, with expressive and colorful artwork that elevates the discussion and lifts the allegory further. The book's warm pastel palette is welcoming. VERDICT A must-have for any public or school library collection.--Chance Lee Joyner

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Curato's cartoonish dogs in soft colors give an inviting look to this story about a conversation that will be all too familiar to many kids, and the final pages, showing a trio of children having a similar conversation, drive that point home. A discussion guide closes out the book, providing caregivers with some advice for facilitating conversations about interracial identities and stereotypes with young children. - Booklist