Minnie and Max are OK!: A Story to Help Children Develop a Positive Body Image by Chris Calland, Nicky Hutchinson, Emmi Smid is a children's book that is currently scheduled for release on May 18 2017. Minnie has had a bad day at school. Some children made fun of her looks, and she wishes she was more like them. Max, Minnie's dog, wishes he looked different too. And he doesn't understand why Grandma doesn't like his singing! When Grandma sees that Minnie and Max aren't OK, she takes them to the park. There, they see lots of children and dogs - all with different shapes, sizes, colors and special traits. If they all looked the same, would it be better or worse?
Minnie and Max are OK! is a charming read for children dealing with any self esteem issues. While the official blurb for the book focuses on body image, I think any child that feels like they are different- via physical, emotional, economical, or any difference really- can benefit from the book. I think readers that might join in on mocking or commenting negatively on others might also benefit from the read, since it would help them understand how hurtful their words and actions can be. This would be a good book to share with preschool and early elementary school students- either through class or one on one reading. It would be a great discussion starter on diversity, kindness, and bullying. Best of all there are questions for parents or other adults to share with children to further enhance the lessons of the story.
Who Are You by Brooke Pessin-Whebdee is an illustrated children's book with a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 3+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. A short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.
Who Are You is helpful and understandable resource for children, and the adults in their lives, in dealing with the idea of gender identity and all of its implications. I like that the book uses the ideas that everyone is unique and that how anyone feels about themselves is valid, and can change. My favorite point is that no one knows you better than you. While I can see some problems with the youngest children and this philosophy- like when my daughter decides she feels like a wolf and hence must act and be treated like one, however when the book is used to further or begin a discussion about gender and identity I do not think this will be a real issue. The additional questions and discussion information was thought provoking as a solo reader, but I think it could be a valuable tool for having or leading this discussion one on one or with a group.
