Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel, Mykaell Blais
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0593178637
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
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Gravel’s unique bright and simple illustration style (photoshopped pen & ink drawings) brings a sense of ease and joviality to some pretty heady topics. Gravel and Blais attempt to cover  the whole span of gender-related topics in simple concepts. Working in conversation-starting questions like “Should we feel bad about doing things we like?”, the authors take the reader on a journey through gender stereotypes with toys, colors, behaviors, etc. to defining the difference between gender and sex, and finally to gender identity. The book ends with mentions of societal ideals in regard to gender and some historical facts about how  this has played out in different ways, followed by some trailblazers in areas of gender issues. A lovely two-page spread showcases illustrations of different permutations of people that make a family and encourages reflection on what your own family is like. “Fun facts” about gender and clothing are featured at the end of the book. The title page lists organizational websites for further information.If you can stand not having a cover on the book, the book jacket features a fun poster.

While this is a great book for starting conversations with children about these topics, it will only get use from families who agree that everyone should be free to choose who they are, and those families may not necessarily need a book to start talking about this. But for those that do, this will do just fine.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library