Author: C.K. Malone
Illustrator: Alejandra Barajas
Publisher: Beaming Books
Review copy: Final copy via publisher
Availability: On shelves now
Summary: Trick-or-treat! Non-binary Charly must think outside the box to create the perfect Halloween costume: one that represents both their feminine and masculine sides.
Halloween is always tricky for Charly, and this year they are determined to find a costume that showcases both the feminine and masculine halves of their identity. Digging through their costume box, they explore many fun costumes. Some are masc. Some are femme. Some are neither. But all are lacking. As trick-or-treating looms, they must think outside the box to find the perfect costume--something that will allow them to present as one hundred percent Charly.
*Our Thoughts: We are excited to see this book out in the world and are glad to have bi-gender representation for young readers. It's great that it exists and we are hopeful that many people will have the chance to read this delightful and enjoyable Halloween story.
Before even getting to the text, the illustrations are super fun. They are bright and cheery and the endpapers full of bats are top-notch. Charly's facial expressions support the text wonderfully. Altogether, the illustrations really add a lot to the story.
We appreciate the blurb on the back that says, "Charly is searching for a Halloween costume that reflects their whole self." That reflection is the goal for Charly, but also for readers.
The alliteration and word pairings like "fangy delight" add a brightness to the story and will be sure to generate smiles.
Recommendation: Get it soon. This is a great addition to any collection for young people especially around Halloween.
*One of my adult children also read the book and shared some thoughts with me.
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