Bye Bye, Binary

What appears to be a gender reveal cake in blue, pink, and white—the colors of the trans flag—opens this board book refutation of birth-assigned genders and related standards; opening text by Geron reads “It’s a//...BABY! And I’m ready to smash GENDER NORMS.” On a stroller ride outdoors, the talkative infant, portrayed with light brown skin, answers the question “Boy... or girl?” with a “WHAT’S IT TO YA?! Besides, I’m still trying out new things.” As the pages turn, the child confidently refuses to choose when asked to decide between blue and pink, bow ties and bows, and being a “little princess” or a “little heartbreaker.” Chua’s boldly hued cartooning employs engaging, playful patterns to a progressive, queernormative vision led by a beloved young citizen who understands social constructs and delivers an important message: “YOU’RE loved for being YOU.” Ages up to 4. (May)