Perfectly Linus, Perfectly Charlie, and Perfectly Bella by Camilla Gisslow, illustrated by Klaudia Drabikowska, translated by Ian Muller

Meet Linus, Bella and Charlie. Three kids with different identities here to tell us how they want to look on the outside and how we can embrace them for who they are on the inside. Join them as they celebrate their chosen new names with a name-party at school. In these special books, the families are as diverse as the children. Linus has a mom and dad. Bella’s family is Muslim. Charlie has two moms. Whether a parent teacher or relative, we all want our children to be happy and shine. We must let those we love be perfectly themselves.

I was charmed by these simple and heartwarming titles. How the children speak their truth, and the adults in their lives listen. How they had parties at their schools celebrating their chosen names. How their parents and siblings advocated for them, and used their chosen pronouns. How they were respected.

Absolutely picture books I wish had been read to me when I was a little kid. It would have helped me understand and respect trans and gender nonconforming people so much earlier on my journey.

Add your review of “Perfectly Linus”, “Perfectly Bella”, and/or “Perfectly Charlie” in comments!