“It’s a … baby!” And the baby in this cheerful board book is “ready to smash gender norms.” When asked, “Boy or girl?” the baby responds, “WHAT’S IT TO YA?” and explains they’re still trying to figure out who they are. They like lots of colors, not just blue or pink; love bow ties and hair bows, dolls and dinos. They’re not a princess or a heartbreaker.
The baby’s parents (whom we never see above the neck, making their genders ambiguous) have learned this lesson, too. They also reply, “What’s it to ya?” when asked the baby’s gender, and explain that the baby doesn’t have to be either and can decide for themselves. In the end, the baby asserts, “I’m loved for being me … and you’re loved for being you!”
As with some other popular board books, like Antiracist Baby and A Is for Activist, part of the book is clearly aimed at parents, as when the baby observes that genders are “only social constructs anyway.” That’s okay; kids always want books on repeat, so they might as well inform and amuse the parents, too. Still, most of the language and concepts from author Eric Geron are simple enough for very young tots, and the message of not being tied to stereotypes is a good one to learn at an early age.
Charlene Chua’s illustrations are bright and bold, and show baby (and friends) joyously playing and snuggling across gender norms. One image shows the protagonist baby in a superhero cape, tutu, and cowboy boots, with sword and shield. Baby and one parent have medium brown skin; one parent has paler skin.
Lots of fun, and a great gift for families with new infants.
