How to Be a Real Man

Written and illustrated by Scott Stuart for his son Colin, whose love of Princess Elsa dresses I wrote about in my review of his other book, My Shadow Is Pink, this cheery book tackles stereotypes of masculinity. Throughout history, it tells us, men have been told that to be a man meant being strong, mean, and always ready to fight. Just look at the Vikings, or Spartans, or pirates. Yet as this book shows with simple rhymes, all of these examples of manliness fall short. To be a man means to fight, yes—but for what is right, not for money or land. It means to be strong, yes, but in the service of helping others. Real men should say “sorry” when they’re wrong and not be afraid to express their feelings—even fear. Real men should wear and do what makes them smile, and stay true to themselves even while listening to others. Whether climbing mountains, building robots, or planting trees and dancing in a tutu, if you “Embrace the person that you are—you’ll be the Greatest Man!” it concludes.