INTRODUCING TEDDY: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship by Jessica Walton. Illus. by Dougal MacPherson.  New York:  Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2016. 32p.  ISBN 978-168119-2109 hc. $16.99     PreSchool - Gr. 2    E PIC

Walton takes a gentle approach to trans-gender issues that may surface in childhood.  One day, Thomas the Teddy Bear became withdrawn and didn't want to play with his friend, Errol.  When questioned about his lack of enthusiasm, Thomas said, "If I tell you, you might not be my friend anymore." Thomas then declares his desire to become Tilly rather than Thomas, which doesn't matter to his friend Errol, nor does it matter to their mutual friend Ava.  This is a wonderful story about friendship and acceptance.  The illustrator, Dougal MacPherson, crafts an androgenous teddy bear with a bow tie to make Thomas look like a boy, and moves the tie into Tilly's hair to transform him into a girl.  Parents and teachers will find this book helpful in dealing with transitions such as these in the family or classroom.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI