Description
Charlie loves his bright red purse, so why does everyone else have a problem with it?
Charlie loves the bright red purse that his grandmother let him have. One day, he decides to take it to school. First his father, then his friends, and even the crossing guard question him about his “strange” choice. After all, boys don’t carry purses. But Charlie isn’t deterred. Before long, his unselfconscious determination starts to affect those around him. His father puts on his favorite Hawaiian shirt to go to work, his friend Charlotte paints her face, and the crossing guard wears a pair of sparkly shoes. Thanks to Charlie, everyone around him realizes that it isn’t always necessary to conform to societal norms. It’s more important to be true to yourself.
With its humorous, energetic illustrations, this book is sure to entertain young readers. It can also be used to open a discussion on gender roles.
Author Bio
Belle DeMont is a writer and illustrator from Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is her first book.
Sonja Wimmer is an award-winning German illustrator and storyteller from Munich.
Prizes
- Storytelling World AwardShort-listed 2018
- Storytelling World AwardJoint winner 2019
- National Parenting Product AwardJoint winner 2018
- Children’s Literature Recommended Lists, Wisconsin State Reading AssociationJoint winner 2019
- Eric Hoffer First Horizon AwardShort-listed 2018
- Eric Hoffer Award, 1st Runner-upWinner 2018
- Rainforest of Reading AwardNominated 2017
- Cybils Blogger’s AwardNominated 2017
- Best Books for Kids & Teens, *starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner 2018
- Notable Books for a Global SocietyJoint winner 2018
- Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award, SilverJoint winner 2018
- Top 10 Recommended Reads, TD Summer Reading ClubJoint winner 2018
- Blue Spruce AwardNominated 2018
Review Quotes
“Affirming of gender nonconformity.”
— Kirkus Reviews, 07/15/17“A lovely, light-hearted tale about breaking from the norm.”
— Resource Links, 12/17“Kudos to Charlie for his non-conformist ways. We could all take a lesson, and teach a lesson by sharing this book with our kids.”
— Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 05/16/18“With his polite determination not to conform to other people’s gender expectations, Charlie is the heart of this delightful story.”
— Quill & Quire, *starred review, 09/17“Refreshing and enjoyable, full of colorful and eye-catching illustrations. There is a good amount of diversity to keep the book from falling into a stereotypically white construct like so many others that look to gender or sexuality.”
— CM Reviews, 11/24/17“A wonderful story about self-expression.”
— CanLit for Little Canadians, 08/14/17“Delightfully inspiring.”
— Foreword Reviews, *starred review, 09/17“A winner for families and schools being more inclusive about breaking gender norms.”
— Waking Brain Cells, 10/03/17