Children’s picture book about the diversity of girls
This was a gift from a colleague for my newborn and it was such a thoughtful gift. Not only was it very appropriate in terms of theme, but it is also signed.
“Some Girls” by Nelly Thomas and illustrated by Sarah Dunk is a children’s picture book about all the wonderful varieties in which girls come. The book explores how different girls look, what different girls wear, different types of hair and different activities girls like to do.
Despite being a paperback picture book and vulnerable to the enthusiasm of the youngest of readers, this is one that I started reading to my daughter very early. After a decade or two of backlash against “wokeness“, IDPOL and inclusivity, it’s really nice to see a book that is absolutely brimming with representation. Just about any kid who picks up this book will find someone or something to connect with. There is strong anti-conformist messaging in this book, and for those girls who are susceptible to having their individuality crushed by the beige enforcers of social expectations, this book will be a small dose of antidote. I also liked how the book was concerned with both the inner and outer lives of girls. I think my favourite part however is the part where it says all girls can be good, bad, gross and mad. Growing up as a girl, I was always a little infuriated by the fiction (and expectation) that girls – human animals – are somehow magically not as gross as everyone else. Being able to see girls depicted being gross is both freeing and vindicating.
This book has a really nice rhythm and flow to it, and the true review is that my one-year-old has been not only choosing this book specifically for me to read to her, but waiting for me to finish the entire book without slamming it shut, declaring “NO!” or running away before I’m done.
A great one for the bookshelf, and I’m interested to read some of Thomas’ other picture books.
