As a postscript to International Nonbinary Peoples Day, this month I am reviewing a brand-new rainbow picture book. Simply Skye is written by Pamela Morgan, illustrated by Heather Bell, and published by Amicus Ink.
“Skye wasn’t made to be a boy or a girl.” This is how main character, Avi, introduces us to the doll, Skye. Avi describes various reasons why Skye isn’t a girl and isn’t a boy. Skye and Avi participate in different types of play with Avi’s sister, Angela, and Avi’s brother, Andrew. Avi likes dressing up for tea parties and playing pirates with Skye, but knows neither activity defines who both Avi and Skye are. This is cause for concern. Will the family accept Skye as neither boy nor girl? Will they accept Avi?
Pamela Morgan, herself the parent of a nonbinary child, handles this subject with sensitivity and care. While the family begins the story thinking in terms of binary gender, they come to understand that Avi and Skye do not fit in this construct. Mommy, Daddy, Angela, and Andrew all let Avi know it is okay to be whoever Avi is. Avi will be accepted and loved.
Heather Bell’s illustrations capture a softness appropriate for the topic, but also the whimsy of childhood play. Avi’s family is drawn as mixed race, with Avi’s (and Skye’s) race presented as an undefined shade. I love this – it really adds to the universality of the topic. Gender issues affect families from all races, backgrounds, and ethnicities. I think my favorite illustration is the final one. Avi is wearing a yellow t-shirt with the nonbinary flag emblazoned on it. Skye is also wearing a yellow shirt. Even though Skye’s back is to the reader, you can assume Skye’s t-shirt matches Avi’s. They are “Simply Avi. Simply Skye.”
My own Thing 1 did not come out as nonbinary until they were in their 20’s. Had they understood their gender dysphoria more as a young child, this is the book I would’ve wanted to have in our house – to let them know they could be whoever they wanted to be and we would always love them. Thanks to Pamela and Heather for creating this wonderful gem of a picture book.
Marti Johns 