From the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea

Kai Cheng Thom

Book - 2017

"A magical gender variant child brings transformation and change to the world around them thanks to their mother's enduring love. In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born in a little blue house on a hill. And Miu Lan is not just any child, but one who can change into any shape they can imagine. The only problem is they can't decide what to be: a boy or a girl? A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, though, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children, and have trouble finding friends who will accept them for who they are. But they find comfort in the loving arms of their mother, who always offers them the ...same loving refrain: "whatever you dream of / I believe you can be / from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea." In this captivating, beautifully imagined picture book about gender, identity, and the acceptance of the differences between us, Miu Lan faces many questions about who they are and who they may be. But one thing's for sure: no matter who this child becomes, their mother will love them just the same."--

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Location Call Number   Status
Children's Room jE/Thom Checked In
Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
Vancouver, BC : Arsenal Pulp Press [2017]
Language
English
Main Author
Kai Cheng Thom (author)
Other Authors
Wai-Yant Li (illustrator), Kai Yun Ching
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 23 x 29 cm
Issued also in electronic formats
ISBN
9781551527093
Contents unavailable.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

A fantasy-inspired story of gender and identity told by trans writer Thom.Miu Lan can't decide if they are a "bird or fish," "cat or rabbit," "tree or star." They were born "when both the moon and the sun were in the sky," so their identity shifts with the games they play and the time of day. In charming, fancifully childlike illustrations pitched to a young audience, readers see the Chinese child swim, fly, prance, and run in different animal guises. Their mother constantly assures them of her love in a song repeated throughout. Of course, when Miu Lan goes to school in "a tail of peacock feathers and a coat of tiger stripes," their classmates are not so accepting. Exclusion and mild bullying commence as Miu Lan tries to figure out how to fit in, but their mother continues to reassure them, and of course the story ends with full acceptance: "i was a little jealous," one boy even admits. (The unconventional use of lowercase letters reinforces the sense of Miu Lan's fluid identity.) The story is somewhat long-winded and predictable, but the traditional arc and themes can resonate with any child who feels excluded (or excludes others) and can also open up conversations about nonbinary gender identities. A relevant tale of love and acceptance that can find a home in any children's collection. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.