revolutionary reads for babies and young children

We are thrilled to be included in A Girl's Guide to Taking Over the World's "revolutionary reads for babies and young children"

Ever wanted to find a children's book that doesn't conform to tired old gender sterotypes and predicatble storylines? well look no further! Here is a small range of books for kids to inspire individuality and creativity. 

The Girl God by Trista Hendren, Illustrated by Elisabeth Slettnes
a picture book to show girls that god can be a girl, god is inside, god is an idea, a positive action or good deed, god is open to creative interpretation and should be about everyone. A great book to dispel the myth that god is male with wonderful illustrations by Elisabeth Slettnes. Empowerment for our girl children.

Also included:

Adventure Annie Goes to Work by Toni Buzzeo (Author) and Amy Wummer (Illustrator). (ages 4-10) Adventure Annie is 4 years old and wears a cape, she knows how to make even boring everyday events into an exciting adventure. A strong and quirky character that children up to the age of 10 years can relate to.

Girls are not Chicks colouring book by Jacinta Bunnel and Julie Novak (ages 4-8) This is a fantastic book to get creative with as well as lots of non gender sterotyped images to colour in the book has lots of messages to challenge the institutionalised sexism that your little girl has probably already been exposed to. To radicalise, inspire and get girls questioning what the media tells them a girl should be. "We have had enough with books that make girls think they are not any good. We have had enough of books that make girls think that they are too young, too old, too fat, too ugly, too tough, too loud, too independant. We like books that ask girls to take pride in themselves. Those of us who have been raised as or identify as girls have often been given the idea that there is something wrong, weak or limiting about the idea of being a girl or woman. This is not and has never been true. Girls are not chick, girls are thinkers, creators, fighters, healers and superheroes." Quote from the authors Jacinta Bunnel and Julie Novak. That quote alone should make you want to buy this book imediately and share this way of thinking with as many parents and children that you can.

Pirate Girl by Cornelia Funke (Author) and Kerstin Meyer (Illustrator) (ages 4-8) a crew of evil pirates meet their match when corageous Molly takes them on and shows them a lesson. A great feisty lead character and a great role model of fearless, strong, brave girls everywhere and Molly's mum is pretty amazing too!

The Night Pirates by Peter Harris and Debora Allwright (ages 4-8) a little boy joins a group of girl pirates on their adventures across the sea. A little change on roles in a story can have a big effect on how the reader views his or her role in the world. This book is very popular and always gets great feedback and reader reviews.

Don't Bet on the Prince: Contemporary Feminist Fairtales in North America and England by Jack Zipes (all age groups) This anthology of stories has a section for younger readers, older readers and some analytical thought and essays in the third section. It's a facinating read on how fairytales have been re-written and shaped to fit specific gender stereotypes in different decades. It has some great stories too with brave and inspirational lead females who don't rely on princes to solve their problems.

Minty: The Story of Young Harriet Tubman by Schroeder (Author) Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator) (ages 6-10) This illustrated book is a great way to introduce younger children to the life of revolutionary woman Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery and subject to much abuse Harriet Tubman was strong and determined to escape and to eventually set others free too. An extraordinary woman whose story deserves to be heard.

The Wise Woman and Her Secret by Eve Merriam (Author) and Linda Dockey Graves (Illustrator) (ages 6-10) This story is all about instilling a sense of wonderment in children. A beautiful book to encourage us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the world around us and in ourselves.

Prince Cinders by Babette Cole (ages 4-8) a twist on the tradiitional Cinderella, where Prince Cinders has to do all the cleaning and running about for his three hairy step brothers. A nice little book with the usual charm and humour that Babette Cole is so well known for.

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole (ages 4-8) there are a few titles in the Princess Smartypants range including Princess Smartypants Breaks the Rules! and Long Live Princess Smartypants. The lead character is everything a 'real' princess shouldn't be, she's loud and naughty and does whatever she wants. The books, with their quirky illustrations are great fun to read and adults love them too.

Girls Can: Make it Happen! by Rick Kupchella (Author) and Marilyn Brown (Illustrator) (ages 6-12)This book encourages girls to think big and shows just what can be achieved when you set your mind on something and believe in yourself. A good book to instill a sense of self worth and a sky's the limit outlook in young girls. Encouraging words and examples of women who made their dreams come true.

The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame (Author) and Michael Hague (Illustrator) (age 8-11) a book that challenges the fairytale stereotypes that boys want to fight. In this story a little boy finds a kind dragon who doesn't want to kill anybody. When the town folk find out about the dragon they send for St. George, but after meeting the dragon, St. George, the dragon and the little boy all become friends. No one wants to fight or kill anyone else so the three of them hatch a plan...

revolutionary reads for babies and young children - A Girl's Guide to Taking Over the World