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This book is now one of my favorites for so many reasons. It addresses the very important issue that gender roles do not define us and I feel that this book perfectly displays that and shows that children can have their own ways of being happy. I think this is a great book to introduce to children and adults one in the same.

Kids should be themselves, even if they don't conform to stereotypes.

With all that's going on in the world with gender stereotypes the adults have, this shows the thoughts of a child on gender stereotypes. From the beginning, we learn that Big Bob moves into the neighborhood with Little Bob. Aside from their names, they have nothing in common. Big Bob likes what is typically considered boy toys while Little Bob lies playing with safer, girly toys although it isn't implicitly stated as such. Through Little Bob's inner thoughts, we assume that Little Bob thinks Big Bob doesn't like him. Then we are introduced to another girl that has moved into the neighborhood. She immediately notices Little Bob's toy chose and berates him for being a boy that plays with "girl toys." This is the first time the author acknowledges Little Bob's toys as "girl toys." Bib Bob comes back and defends Little Bob and claims that they are friends and that boys can do whatever they want. Little Bob feels bad and asks the girl, who's name is Blossom, if she would like to play with them and Blossom admits that she enjoys playing with trucks (boy toys) more than dolls (girl toys). Big Bob doesn't care and says girls can do whatever they want as well. It's so nice to see the blunt way kids view gender stereotypes, or lack thereof (at least to them). ( )

This is so cute! I love how it teaches about differences and acceptance! ( )