Bye Bye, Binary

by Eric Geron, Charlene Chua (Illustrator)

Overview

Fans of Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz will love this board book about gender expression and being true to oneself by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Eric Geron and Stonewall Award-winning illustrator, Charlene Chua.

"Is it a boy? Or a girl?" 

“WHAT'S IT TO YA?!”

Our little bundle of joy has arrived—to dismantle gender norms!

A joyful baby refuses to conform to the gender binary and instead chooses toys, colors, and clothes that make them happy. This tongue-in-cheek board book is a perfect tool to encourage children to love what they love and is also a great baby shower gift for all soon-to-be-parents. 

AN ALA RAINBOW LIST PICK!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063215146
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/24/2022
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 4 Years

About the Author

Eric Geron is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Eric’s work includes The Hocus Pocus Spell Book, The Little Mermaid: Guide to Merfolk, Fry Guys, A Tale of Two Princes, Poultrygeist, and Bye Bye, Binary, among other books. He lives in New York City. You can visit him online at www.ericgeron.com.

Charlene Chua (pronounced: CHOO-ah) (she/they) has illustrated many things over the years for kids of all ages. Her illustration work has won several awards including the Stonewall Award, while books she has illustrated have been nominated for OLA Forest of Reading, USBBY Outstanding International Books, OLA Best Bets, Shining Willow Award, and Kirkus Best Books. Charlene was born and grew up in Singapore and moved to Canada in 2007. They started work in 1998 as a web designer and went on to become a senior designer, web producer, and interactive project manager. However, what they really wanted to do was draw pictures all day. In 2003, they decided to give it a go, and, after a few years, they became a full-time illustrator. When they are is not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. They now live with their husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

★ 09/05/2022

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)

Publishers Weekly

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.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This board book would be a great baby shower gift, or one to counter some of the signaling in the world for slightly older readers, to empower youngsters to follow their hearts and not societal pressures. A purchase for libraries looking for more inclusivity and diversity. — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

06/17/2022

PreS-K—This slightly tongue-in-cheek board book explains some basics about gender expression. A new baby arrives and refuses to bow to social constructs. The baby chooses what they love instead of focusing on gendered items like dinos or dolls. "Blue…or pink? Why pick just one?! I think I like…lots of colors!" This board book would be a great baby shower gift, or one to counter some of the signaling in the world for slightly older readers, to empower youngsters to follow their hearts and not societal pressures. VERDICT A purchase for libraries looking for more inclusivity and diversity.—Brooke Newberry

School Library Journal