Genre | Picture Book
Publishing Date | May 2023
Be affectionate, beautiful, courageous, and more in this gender-bending ABC book.
Daryl is so affectionate. Alex is gentle with the family cat. Sage and Kaylin are super strong. And Ira yearns to do ballet like their older brother. Demystify gender stereotypes while learning your ABCs in this bright, celebratory debut picture book by stationery company Ash + Chess, who bring not only their quirky artistic flavor but also their personal perspectives as a queer couple to this empowering book for younger kids. This hardcover picture book is rendered in bright, bold colors and patterns and uses neon pink hues throughout. As a bonus, remove the book’s jacket to reveal a cool ABC poster on the opposite side that can be displayed at home, in schools, at libraries, or anywhere!
Goodreads
I was honored to receive a copy of Deconstructing Gender from Running Press Kids. I don’t often review picture books on Roar Cat Reads, but I used to be a children’s librarian and this book makes me think I should do more of these!
Highlighter bright, this book is joyous in colour as well as in message. Each page represents a letter of the alphabet by describing how kids can care for others. For example, one page says, “Alex is always so GENTLE with their family cat.” Another says, “Raheme comforts Tarin. He’s very UNDERSTANDING.” These are great affirmations to instill into little (and big) hearts.
What makes this book truly special is the intersectional diversity within its pages. Kids of all genders, races, sizes, and abilities are depicted with no additional commentary. Whether you’re wearing a hearing aid, have a green mullet, wear cornrows, or dress in drag, you can learn how to care for the pets, family, and friends around you.
Effortlessly inclusive and brightly enticing, ABC – Deconstructing Gender is the picture book I wish I could read at story time!
Who Do I Recommend This Book To?
Get ABC-Deconstructing Gender for the next baby shower you attend!
Check out our Queer Lil Library for more book recommendations and reviews!
Roar Cat Reads 
Leave a comment