The GayBCs will for certain turn heads. It will get people talking. Maybe even very loudly. M. L. Webb’s alphabet book is not your father’s ABC book.
How do I write a review for this book? Very carefully. This book will be a hot button book, no question about it. Sometimes it feels like it is talking directly only to the GLBT+ community. Sometimes there is a feeling of it is talking to everyone. This book will either bring out the A in you (A is for Ally), or bring out the, “I do not want my child reading THAT!” The ages on the back are aged four to eight. And while I could see this being young looking for an eight-year-old, I honestly would not want to go much younger. There is a lot that could be considered “in your face” and not necessarily appropriate for the younger end of the spectrum. Then again, if we show that these words “normal” maybe that will help create a place where all of us are F is for Family.
A look into some of the other words you will find: L is for Lesbian. M is for Mountain. X is for X. K is for Kiki. Thankfully, there is a glossary at the end, as I had no idea about that word. Also, there is a short description about the word on the page as well. Both pieces help explain the differences between such things as P is for Pan (the metal item you cook with and Pansexual). And all words are positive (there are no slurs). However, your personal feeling about Q is for Queer might be tested.
The art and text have a slight contradiction for my personal taste. I find the illustrations are “kid friendly” and therefore, works for the younger crowd. Yet, the text is what I feel makes it more appropriate for the older reader. As with many books in this category, you need to know your audience. And perhaps you could adapt the book to fit the younger aged readers/listeners.
I will start to finish on this note: I think the children that need this the most, might not be exposed to it. Therefore, if you know of a way of presenting it into a classroom or library setting or child that needs it, I would love to know how you did it.
And finish on: As I have said before, I really wish I did not have to rate this book. But while I gave it a 3, this book is a solid 3.5 and that is only due to my feeling the illustrations and text do not complement each other as nicely as I would have liked. But I know that this combination will be perfect for others. (Due October 2019)