They’re So Flamboyant by Michael Genhart, Illustrated by Tony Neal

When a “flamboyance” of flamingos moves into a neighborhood full of other types of birds, feathers get ruffled.

Bright pink colors and long legs—how dare those flamingos!

Will the brooding birds realize their mistake and restore peace and harmony to the community?

This is absolutely a picture book I wish had been read to me when I was a little kid! And, it’s a homophobia smackdown, because the negativity of so many birds is completely turned around by the flamboyant flamingos just being their wonderful selves.

The story is awesome, the illustrations cartoony and so kid-friendly, and while the bird group names are really cool, the real heart of the book is how it can open up a conversation with kids about how we treat those who seem different on the outside from ourselves… There’s a well-done author’s note at the back, that includes this:

Conversation with children about the assumptions and stereotypes that can lead to excluding behavior are vitally important if we are to live in a world that is more inclusive, fair, and welcoming.

“They’re So Flamboyant” is a great place to start those conversations. And it’s SO proud and the illustrations are so clearly filled with Queer Joy and Rainbow Pride Flags and little in-jokes for adult readers (like how the flamingos renovate their new home to get rid of all the closets!)

I loved this book! As the back cover shouts, “Pretty, Pink, Proud!”

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