outside the (toy) box

This page will be updated frequently as I learn of new books (hopefully from you)! Consider it a permanent work in progress. Also, not everyone interprets things the same way, so by all means, if you disagree with a recommendation - please do comment. Other readers may like to hear the con-argument to help them make choices.

Good Books for Young Girls

(and Boys, who also should know that girls matter)

While there are some great books that are explicitly feminist or deal with responding to what others say girls can and can’t do, I’m not actually a huge fan of those. I guess because right now my dd and ds have have no reason to think that boys and girls aren’t equally important, interesting, and capable. So, right now I don’t feel a need to address thes issues with them. Instead, I look for non-sexist/stereotyped books that are centered around girls who are doing interesting things. Who would think that they would be so hard to find? If they are brave, clever, strong — even better. Most of the books listed here are of this variety, the balance are books that may not feature a particularly fantastic female character, but open the gender box a bit…

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

This is a great little story about a girl named Vashti who thinks she can’t draw, is encouraged by a teacher, goes crazy expressing herself, becomes recognized, and then encourages an admirer to find the courage to try as well. Great illustrations - just lovely. I started this book with my dd when she was 2.5. I think anyone under about 6 would enjoy it.

Sally Jean the Bicycle Queen by Cari Best and Christine Davenier

This is probably my favorite. It is a GREAT story about a little girl who loves to ride her bike. As she grows her parents raise the handle bars and seat (her Mom even uses tools), but eventually she outgrows it completely. Heartbroken, she has to figure out what to do. She tries raising money by teaching other kids to fix their own bikes, but eventually uses materials she finds around to build her own new bike. Obviously, Sally Jean is not your average female book character, but she isn’t just a good role model - she’s FUN - always rhyming poems about how great she is on her bike. It’s recommended for kids ages 4-8, but my dd loved it at 3 as well (it is fairly long though, so it might depend on the child).

Brave Charlotte by Anu Stohner and Heinrike Wilson

So, okay, this is a book about a sheep, but Charlotte is so brave, adventurous, and confident — it’s well worth it! This book is about young sheep Charlotte who takes risks and worries the older sheep. In the end, when the shepherd is injured, it is Charlotte who saves the day and earns the respect of the rest of the flock. The book is designated for 4-8 year olds, but a 3 year old could certainly enjoy it.

The Mommy Book and The Daddy Book by Todd Parr

Todd Parr is the king of progressive socialization (maybe you know his Peace Book or The Family Book or It’s Okay to Be Different) and here he offers two great books that show the range of Mommies and Daddies respectively. “Some Mommies Fly Kites.” “Some Mommies Fly Planes.” - you get the idea. Both books are jubilantly colorful in illustration, and playful and diverse in text. I love these books as gifts for new parents. They are recommended for ages 4-8, but imho it’s much better for 1.5 - 3 year olds.

Dora Saves the Prince by Alison Inches and Brian McGee

While I’m not a big fan of the cross promotion fiesta empire that is Dora, I couldn’t possibly resist a bilingual Latina adventurer who rescues a Prince instead of being rescued! Has clear reusable stickers for play. Says 4-8, 2-4 is probably better. Go Dora!

When Catherine the Great and I Were Eight by Cari Best and Giselle Potter

This is an adorable book about Sara, her Grandmother Catherine, and their neighbors. It’s a simple story about being stuck in traffic on the way from the city to the beach, but it’s real and playful, and I can’t get enough of this crew. Not particularly feminist, but a nice female-centered story about a girl who enjoys her Russian Grandma.

There’s a Dragon Downstairs by Hilary McKay and Amanda Harvey

In this quiet book, a girl named Sophie is convinced that a dragon comes in at night while she is trying to sleep and she tries several tricks to apprehend the dragon herself. In the end, it’s only the cat, but it’s nice to see a story where a girl feels afraid and takes matters into her own hands. Ages 4-8.

Stella Star of the Sea and Stella Queen of the Snow by Marie-Louise Gay

These two charmers are about spirited Stella, who is a delight - she is adventurous, bold, and relishes the expertise bestowed upon her by virtue of being the older sister to a younger brother who is far more risk averse. In both books, Stella guides her brother Sam through new experiences that intimidate him, leading by example - playful and a little reckless. Sam follows along, asking myriad questions. She answers every one, whether the answer is correct or not. Stella is an infectious character. I hope to be more like her one day, myself! Recommended for ages 3-8, but I think most children over 5 would be looking for a little more, and it could certainly keep the attention of many 2 year olds.

My Friends by Taro Gomi

This is an adorable board book in which a pig-tailed Asian girl shows us what she has learned from each of her friends. “I learned to climb from my friend the monkey”  “I learned to read from my friends the books” and so on. The watercolor illustrations are delightful plus we see a girl as the center of attention doing all sorts of things, both active and gentle. I love it. Too long for little bitty babies IMHO, but great for your 18 month old - 3 year old. Adorable!

Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis and David Soman

This new book (Spring 2008) is a delightful surprise.  Lulu, who wears a ladybug costume has no one to entertain her and so she goes and makes her own adventure (w/ dog Bingo) as superhero-eqse Ladybug Girl!  The advetures are little, but they are not sterotyped and they happen outdoors! She climbs a tree, splashes in puddles, helps an ant colony, etc.  And she feels good about herself!  In spite of an older brother who keeps telling her she’s too little, she feels, “big as the whole outdoors.”  I was so pleased to find it that I bought three.  Good for 3-7 year olds, I think.

Since my son is an infant, I haven’t yet begun the search for books that show boys in anti-sexist ways — if you have favorites, please let me know. I’m sure many are interested in your suggestions. I know I am!

Anti-Consumerist Books

The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell

This is a sweet book about Mooch the cat and Earl the dog. When Mooch wishes to commemorate Earl’s birthday, he realizes that Earl already has everything (a bed, a chew toy, and a bowl), he sets out to buy him “nothing.” In the end, he gives an empty box and the two of them enjoy each others’ company, and all that nature has to offer. Though this is a very short book, the conceptual elements make it best for 5-8 year olds.

Three Cheers for Catherine the Great by Cari Best and Giselle Potter

This is another book about Sarah and her Russian Grandma and all of their delightful neighbors. In this story, they are throwing a party for Catherine (the Grandmother) and work to comply with her request for “no presents.” They each give her a lovely “no present,” one is a dance, one is a song, and Sarah offers to teach her to read and write in English. The book shows what fun nonmaterial gifts are and brings to life the immigrant experience at the same time. I love it. Ages 4-8.

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

Oh how we love the Sneetches in our house and whether you want to understand it as story about racism or the dangers of competition or as anti-consumerist is up to you, but there is no doubt that this can be used to talk about status goods (be they clothing or toys or sneakers…) and the way trends are followed to the benefit of no one but the corporations selling the goods.  Dr. Seuss gets it right and of course with great fun. Ages 4-8.