Toby Wears a Tutu - by Lori Starling (Paperback)

About the Book

It's the first day of school, and Toby is dressed in their best and ready to make new friends! But first, Toby's new classmates want to know: Is Toby a boy or a girl? Toby isn't sure how to answer. Toby likes to wear basketball shorts and tutus. Toby plays ninjas and dances ballet. Finally, after a little thought and some encouragement from Mom, Toby has a declaration to make: they can eat, wear, do, or be anything they want! Toby isn't a boy or a girl--Toby is just Toby!

Book Synopsis

It's the first day of school, and Toby is dressed in their best and ready to make new friends! But first, Toby's new classmates want to know: Is Toby a boy or a girl? Toby isn't sure how to answer. Toby likes to wear basketball shorts and tutus. Toby plays ninjas and dances ballet. Finally, after a little thought and some encouragement from Mom, Toby has a declaration to make: they can eat, wear, do, or be anything they want! Toby isn't a boy or a girl--Toby is just Toby!

Review Quotes

"I fell in love with Toby the moment I read this book. Gorgeous illustrations bring Toby's captivating personality to life as they bravely face the challenge to be authentic and honest with their new friends. Toby's mom is another totally inspirational character; no wonder Toby is such an amazing little human. Toby Wears a Tutu is a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf."

--Ellie Royce, author of Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero published by Pow! Kids Books

"This gentle story follows gender non-conforming Toby as they learn how to explain their choices to their new classmates. Brightly colored and warmhearted, this is a wonderful story for young readers."

--Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer: A Memoir

"Toby Wears a Tutu is a heartwarming story about learning to love who you are, regardless of what others might think of you. Even if a child doesn't identify the same way as Toby, all children can relate to Toby's feelings and learn a valuable lesson about appreciating diversity and learning acceptance. As an underrepresented minority in literature, Lori Starling has crafted a beautiful story, showing how loving one's self builds self-esteem and confidence in all children. I would feel extremely comfortable reading this book to my kindergarteners and cannot wait to do so."

--Mary Russell, kindergarten teacher

"Toby Wears a Tutu sends a powerful message to children: acceptance. Starling and DuFalla tackle the difficult topic of gender roles with a young person in a whimsical, heartfelt manner that can only be found through the bravery of a child.They invite an important discussion that starts with gender and encapsulates 'othering' experienced by young people. They combine beautiful imagery with powerful words that make Toby Wears a Tutu a must for any child's bookshelf."

--Jeremy Flagg, MFA, author, and SNHU creative writing professor