A useful resource for adults broaching conversations about transgender issues with little ones.' - Booklist The final pages, during which Tilly and Errol do exactly the same things they did before, reassure kiddos that changing gender won’t change who a person (or bear) fundamentally is ideal for the target audience. 'Walton’s matter-of-fact exploration of gender doesn’t get into any particulars, focusing instead on the importance of friendship and respect. Debut artist MacPherson’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations are striking for their emotional immediacy and compositional polish, and he effortlessly moves from the poignancy of the opening pages to breezy good times.' - Publishers Weekly 'The book’s spirit of easygoing openness makes it a worthwhile resource. This book beautifully changes the narrative of gender and gender roles, but fair warning-the hug scene might bring a tear or two.' - starred review, Kirkus Reviews MacPherson's illustrations are sweet, with a sketchy, contemporary style. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House.'Walton gently explains Tilly's gender, which is a small ripple in the lives of children at play, and subtly pokes at gender roles with Errol's tea parties and Ava's robot building. Debut artist MacPherson’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations are striking for their emotional immediacy and compositional polish, and he effortlessly moves from the poignancy of the opening pages to breezy good times.

Debut author Walton, who has a transgender parent, posits a world that has moved beyond acceptance to essentially “no biggie.” Whether being this far ahead of the curve does justice to the transgender experience is debatable, though the book’s spirit of easygoing openness makes it a worthwhile resource. “Wear whatever makes you happy!” says Errol’s equally unfazed friend Ava. I wish my name was Tilly, not Thomas.” Errol doesn’t respond with confusion, anger, or even a speech about tolerance-he offers cheery, unconditional love (“What matters is that you are my friend”), and life goes on much as it did before-except that Tilly now wears what was once Thomas’s bow tie on her head. Finally, Thomas reveals why: “In my heart, I’ve always known that I’m a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. Errol’s teddy bear, Thomas, seems terribly sad-not even playing on the swing in the park helps.

Introducing teddy by jessica walton