Big Bob, Little Bob by J. Howe

Howe, James. Big Bob, Little Bob, illustrated by Lauren Ellen Anderson. Candlewick Press, 2016.Who needs binaries when we can have diversity? That’s what Bob, Bob, and Blossom might ask in Big Bob, Little Bob written by James Howe and illustrated by Lauren Ellen Anderson. This children’s picture book asks readers to question their perception of what is masculine, what is feminine, and more importantly, why we persist in imposing gender roles on children and in society. Some boys like cats, some boys like dogs, and some boys like to wear dresses. Do not make the mistake of placing stereotypes on the characters in this story! This book tackles the subject of gender roles and gender identity in a captivating, entertaining, and non-intrusive manner. Gender bending non-conforming individuals, and those who prefer to live in a gender-neutral world, will love this story. For those continuing to live in a binary-driven, gender-rigid reality this story will ask the reader to question why categorize gender, encourage embracing fluidity, and to start viewing life on a spectrum.Clean, clear fonts and simple, easy language, appropriate for all ages, permit readers the freedom to be expressive while flipping through the pages of this book. Beautifully drawn and coloured illustrations wonderfully complement the text. The illustrator makes smart colour choices and the art is stylized with thoughtfully detailed layers of images that provide deeper inferences for the viewer. Characters’ facial expressions provide insights into their thoughts, feeling, and emotions. Readers are provided the opportunity to analyse the illustrations that add clarity and detail to the author’s key message. In this book there is more than meets the eye and young readers will enjoy making connections between word and image while exploring various themes including friendship, acceptance, and inclusion - to name a few.Recommendation: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Craig MichaudCraig Michaud, B.Ed., M.Ed, is a graduate of the Masters of Education Studies Program at the University of Alberta, and an elementary school teacher for Edmonton Public School Board. His graduate research focused on the perspectives of gay teachers in Alberta, Canada. Contact: cmichaud@ualberta.ca