Pink Is for Everybody

A group of children of varying ability, skin tone, and size are stuck inside on a rainy day in this picture book that plants the seed of deconstructing the color pink's gendered associations. As a child with a dark blunt bob discovers a treasure chest filled with a plethora of pink-hued outfits and accessories, the group quickly dives in. "But there are those who/ find pink puzzling./ They sometimes even wonder.../ Who is pink for?" Russell's playful text reads on one spread. As the children imagine themselves in different fantastical scenarios, illustrated winningly in textured spreads by Lugo, this predictable volume reveals the anticipated answer: pink has a place for anyone, regardless of gender or occupation--except for those who dislike it. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)

PreS-Gr 1--On a gray, rainy day, a group of kids explore a big pink dress-up chest. Each kid finds a way to incorporate the color pink into their imaginative play, whether they are being astronauts, aliens, dancers, or dragons. One child is in a wheelchair, two wear glasses, one has dark skin and hair in two puffs, one appears Asian, one has red hair and freckles, etc. This diverse group draws a simple conclusion: pink is for anybody who likes pink! Pink is not for anybody who doesn't like pink--in this case, only the cat, who prefers a green tie to match its eyes. Russell cleverly circumvents the gender binary that some readers may expect with a title like this, focusing instead on color and imagination; the illustrations are playful, funny, and fanciful. VERDICT Pink is for everybody! And so is this book.--Jenny Arch