There are a growing number of LGBTQ-inclusive picture books about bodies, but this one stands out for talking not only about body diversity, but also how genetics, nutrients, the environment, and other factors impact the bodies we have and how they develop—and it does so in a way inclusive of different abilities and gender identities.
It starts by explaining how that everything on Earth is formed from elements created in stars, then goes on to simply but clearly explain DNA, chromosomes, and genes, how an egg and a sperm bring sets of genes together. Exactly how egg and sperm get together isn’t discussed, beyond one child noting that “My mums used sperm from a sperm donor to make me.” (I’ve always said it’s ironic that many people feel that discussing LGBTQ families means talking about sex, when the fact is that so many of our families were formed without it.)
We then read about cell development and how DNA changes as it gets copied from one generation to the next. This can affect how some bodies develop, the book says—and here two children with genetic limb differences note those differences matter-of-factly and without judgment. We also see how genetics, nutrients, and the environment may affect a variety of bodily variations, including spina bifida, vitiligo, and cerebral palsy, and how not everyone who is biologically related will experience the same things. The book’s discussion of chromosomes is inclusive of intersex identities and explains the difference between sex and gender, noting that both are spectrums.
Several spreads also look at how people’s experiences and activities also affect their bodies, and at how people may view others differently based on their ethnicity, gender, and bodies. This leads to an exploration of stereotyping, racism, and other forms of discrimination. These stereotypes can stop people from finding out who they are and feeling comfortable in their bodies, we read, but it’s okay to explore different types of gender expression.
Some people may even change their names and pronouns to better fit their gender identities, the book says. If a person’s gender identity doesn’t match their assigned sex, they are “transgender.” One character explains that just as one’s handedness is simply what “feels natural,” one’s gender identity is the same, and you should be allowed to do what feels comfortable.
Another trans person pictured has a thought bubble that says, “It’s hard to be comfortable with my body when it doesn’t match my gender identity,” while a text box below them says, “Even if you don’t feel comfortable in every aspect of your physical body, you can work on accepting it, even if that’s just ‘for now’.”
Two final spreads offer reassurance and advice to readers of all identities about feeling more comfortable in their bodies, not comparing themselves to others, and taking good care of their bodies, no matter what they look like. Readers are also encouraged to accept others’ differences, question stereotypes, and speak up when they see stereotypes in action.
The book takes a science-driven approach, but this is skilfully simplified for young readers and blended with thoughtful insights about social and emotional factors as well. A glossary adds to the usefulness of this wide-ranging and highly recommended title.
(Readers should be aware of one typo on p. 19, at least in the copy I reviewed. The page first notes that female chromosomes are XX and male ones are XY, but then says: “You can be genetically male (XY), female (XY) or intersex”—the last should read “XX.”)
