My Maddy

In the middle; in between; almost but not quite: all concepts that award-winning author Gayle E. Pitman (This Day in June, 2014) highlights in this charming and sensitive new picture book about a parent who is neither male nor female, neither father nor mother. Gender norms and gender expression are thoughtfully explored through various metaphors as the child and Maddy go about their days together. For example, over breakfast one morning, Maddy expounds, "I love sporks. . . . It's not a spoon or a fork, but kind of both." Illustrated by Violet Tobacco (Super Scientists Who Stunned the World, forthcoming 2021) in bright colors--contrasted with white sketches denoting the child's imagination--this book is visually engrossing on a number of levels. Furthermore, Tobacco has a deft touch in portraying Maddy in a way that defies the expectations of many adults when it comes to the physical attributes of men and women in contemporary society. Dr. Randall Ehrbar contributes additional back matter that explains relevant concepts such as bias, parental transition, gender affirmation, and gender identity. My Maddy is a heartfelt narrative that marries refreshingly unapologetic LGBTQ illustrations with text that many child readers will be able to relate to. This celebration of nonconforming parents is a nuanced and noteworthy addition to any home, classroom, or library.

A loving, celebratory window into a young child's relationship with their nonbinary parent. The latest in Pitman's LGBTQ books for children introduces young readers to a parent whose gender identity and expression are "entirely fantastically their own"--not a mommy or a daddy, but "my Maddy." Told from the perspective of a light-skinned, redheaded child, the story normalizes what's "in between, and kind of both," which is everywhere in nature, from dawn ("it's not day and it's not night," Maddy explains) to the color hazel (a mix between green and brown). Vignettes from the main characters' everyday lives are vibrantly depicted in artist Tobacco's bold, full-bleed illustrations, including walks to school, snacktime, and stories before bed. Particularly noteworthy is the heartwarming scene when Maddy kisses their kid goodbye before dropping them off at school: Beside a glowing portrait of the beaming family, the text reads, "Maddy's kisses feel like sandpaper against my face." Such positive images of gender-nonconforming presentations are rare in children's literature, making this a valuable addition to any school, public, or personal library for its engaging art and accessible representation for a wide age range. The adult-oriented backmatter uses person-first language and identifies the book's inspiration as intersex; notes on intersex identity and supporting children in understanding their parents' genders are accompanied by resources. Unfortunately, one of these is the Human Rights Campaign, known for its fraught relationship with trans communities. Much needed in the landscape of family-oriented picture books. (Picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.