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Books and Literature Suitable For Very Young Children
| 10,000 Dresses |
10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert is a charming tale of a "boy" named Bailey who dreams of wearing dresses. His parents and brother tell him that boys don't wear dresses and Bailey is sad because she doesn't feel like a boy. Bailey finally meets a friend that understands the desire to wear dresses and helps her achieve that goal. It is a story with beautiful illustrations by Rex Ray that uses just enough words to say what is needed. I highly recommend it for children of all ages (adults too), although it is definitely a book that would be enjoyed by the under 10 crowd. 10,000 Dresses helps us understand the workings of the gender variant child's mind from their point of view and it is very nicely done.
The book is available for sale on www.amazon.com for purchase. You may also "friend" the Facebook Group "10,000 Dresses" to leave comments and show your support! |
The Story of Ferdinand |
One way for young people to develop self-esteem is to find representations of self in books. Munro Leaf’s well-loved story, published in 1936, may very well be the first children’s book which really shows a character transgressing gender norms, and it sets the pattern for most of the other gender transgressive books to follow: a “child” doesn’t conform to gender stereotypes, a parent worries, and in the case of picture books, the “problem” is resolved with love and acceptance of difference in one way or another. |
Oliver Button is a Sissy |
Tomie de Paola's book was published in 1979. Ferdinand showed his “masculinity” “puffing and snorting, butting and pawing” when he was stung by a bee; William’s problem is resolved by his grandmother, in a presumably heterosexual way, when she explains to the boy’s father that he needs a doll in order to learn how to be a father; and Oliver is allowed to take tap dancing lessons when his father reluctantly decides it is a “form of exercise.” |
William’s Doll |
Charlotte Zolotow’s 1972 book is about a young boy who wants a baby doll to rock and care for and take to the park to the dismay of his father and brother. |
The Sissy Duckling |
It’s not until 2002 with the publication of this Harvey Fierstein book, that a children’s picture book truly celebrates a sissy. Elmer the duckling faces the derision of his schoolmates and out and out rejection by his father, but he has a mother who sticks up for him no matter what. And when he saves his father’s life, Papa declares, “If Elmer is a sissy, then I wish I were a sissy too!” in a resounding moment of triumph for sissies everywhere. |
Each of the above titles not only mirrors a child’s experience, but also that of a worried parent, who in some way or another is able to become more accepting. |
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Carly, She's Still My Daddy |
Boenke, Mary.Transgender Network of PFLAG, . Also distributed by Two Lives Publishing.
This pamphlet explores the transition of Carl to Carly, from a child’s point of view, explaining the differences between various gender-queer experiences.
Ages 4 and up |
The Only Boy in Ballet Class |
Gruska, Denise. Gibbs Smith, 2007.
People don’t understand how wonderful dancing makes Tucker feel, and he is teased and taunted, until his dance skills lead to a stunning move on the football field. Similar titles include Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie DePaola and Max by Rachel Isadora. The latter is out of print, but is available at many libraries.
Age 5-8 |
It’s Okay to Be Different |
Parr, Todd. Little, Brown, 2001.
While not specifically addressing gender issues, the book enumerates many ways in which it’s okay to be different.
Age 3-7. |
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