Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

I read this with my little one and she liked it even more than I expected her to and a lot more than I did. I will rate this based on her experience because I am undoubtedly not the target demographic.

There is a lot going on on the pages of this book but the pictures are definitely the highlight. The graphics are vivid, whimsical, sweet and fun. The text, on the other hand, is rhythmic and cute. It questions persistent gender specific labels and offers up some really unique alternatives. My daughter's favorite alternative was, "Maybe it was boys are made of balloons and mutts? And fresh chicken butts"...oh, how Littles love all talk of hineys.

Overall, I would reccomend this to those in the 2-5 year old range. The message is a good one. The graphics are silly and engaging and my daughter really enjoyed the package as a whole BUT I wish it had a stronger ending. The end just stops, no true feeling of things being wrapped up nicely...oh well, opportunity missed though I still I would reccomend this one. It's sweet and the message is worth sharing.

*** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *** ( )

I love this book and can't wait to read it to my grandchildren. The message of course is that we do not have to follow the stereotype in the original rhyme about the cute, sweet little girl and the little boy who plays with dogs and loves snails, you can like and be whatever you want. The illustrations are wonderful. Depending on what rhyme gandpa is using i.e. girls can be made of snakeskins and pies and bright fireflies, the illustrations depicts that (a girl's head with fireflies in her hair, a snake body and a pie around her neck like a collar). They got quite silly and I can imagine the laughter when children see these pictures. Of course the message might get lost in the reading, but a discussion afterward about what they like will let them know that whatever it is, that is okay. A great book for family, school, classroom and public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )