Four Magical Books for Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is coming up on February 23, 2022. Here is the official poster! Go to https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/ to learn more. #pinkshirtday

The focus for our first blog post will be anti-bullying awareness. This February, in anticipation of Pink Shirt Day, we handpicked four NEW hardcovers that arrived at our store. These diverse books are truly a gift to the children's book community. We hope that you can ‘lift each other up’ and lift children up with magical stories like these, that give voice to children who are usually bullied because of who they are.

“Neither”

When an animal is neither here nor there, neither rabbit nor bird, how do you engage with them? "Neither" is a book that illustrates in-between-ness in developmentally appropriate language for preschool and above. Those who are non-binary and/or mixed race will feel seen with this relatable story. Ideas around identity and inclusion are explored in this modern and very colourful fable. It approaches how groups treat individuals differently and the impact that us vs. them thinking can have on the children that falls into the "neither" category. The rabbits and the birds are unkind so the animal that is 'Neither' moves to a more accepting and inclusive space,called "The Land of All." The beauty of this story is that this imaginary safe place is a safe space that can be created in all classrooms and homes, where difference is embraced and celebrated.

"Jack (not Jackie)"

Gender identity, change, and acceptance is explored through the story of a transgender child and their elder sister. Jackie doesn’t enjoy the same pretend play games as their sister, prefers not to wear a dress on their birthday, and likes to shop in the boy’s section. Jackie asks to be called Jack at the playground. While the elder sister asserts that this is wrong, Jack’s mother demonstrates excellent allyship as a parent and corrects her by saying its “just different.” This book delicately approaches the topic of sibling love and how a family adjusts to their child’s evolving gender identity in a respectful and dignified way. This book sets an excellent example of how families are beginning to stand up for and support their Trans children.

“Julián is a Mermaid”

The illustrations in this book are phenomenal and the obvious representation in the main characters give us hope. Julián is mesmerized by the three mermaids he spotted on the subway. Seeing them inspires a magical journey, in which Julián imagines being a mermaid. With the help of stunning props, fabric, accessories, and the input of his Abuela, Julián steps into his power as a mermaid. We can see why this book was the Winner of the Stonewall Book Award, winner of an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor, a People Magazine Best Book of the Year, an NPR Best Book of the Year, a Time Magazine Top Ten Children’s Book of the Year, and a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year!

“Sparkle Boy”

Casey love for blocks, puzzles, and a dump truck can coexist with his love for all things that shimmer, glitter, and sparkle! This endearing story is about the freedom to be ourselves. It also reminds us of the important role that supportive family members can play during moments of gender euphoria. Casey’s Mama confirms that Casey can wear a skirt if he chooses too without it being a problem. While Casey’s sister repeatedly protests towards Casey’s sparkly interests, his parents and Abuelita support his gender creativity as he expresses it. Kids in the community tell Casey that boys don’t wear skirts, bracelets, etc. This is a golden opportunity for Casey’s sister to show solidarity and stand up for her brother. “Sparkle Boy” does the important work of dismantling toxic masculinity. It also sends the message that a boy’s gender expression can change across time, while he is a boy.

We hope that the arrival of these books makes you curious and excites you the same way. At Sonsuh Educational Supplies, we do our best to offer diverse resources and materials.

Working hand-in-hand with you,
Ms. Aalya