Review - Pink Is for Everybody!

Pink Is for Everybody!
by Ella Russell
illustrated by Udayana Lugo
Date: 2022
Publisher: Owlkids Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A joyful celebration of self-expression and uniqueness

A group of kids is stuck inside on a rainy day, and they’re feeling gloomy … until they discover a pink treasure chest! Inside they find a collection of items that turn their gray day into a playground of pink. Pink is for painters and palace-dwellers, aliens and astronauts, dancers and dragons! In a parade of exuberance that celebrates all things pink, one surly cat stands apart and teaches the kids a gentle lesson about choosing what you love, no matter who you are, while respecting the unique preferences of everybody around you.

This uplifting ode to self-expression goes beyond the binary expectations of gender to emphasize the importance of creativity and acceptance. It invites readers into a welcoming space where different clothing, toys, and colors are enjoyed by all. With a diverse cast of kids and inclusive, gender-neutral language, this book encourages children to embrace their true colors.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Hooray for smashing gender norms and the silly notion that pink is a "girl" colour! This is a cute book about a group of kids who are stuck inside on a rainy day. They find a trunk full of pink stuff, and proceed to have a fun time dressing up as many different pink things: firefighters, aliens, pirates, and dragons. The overall message is that pink is for anyone who likes it. (And if you don't like pink, that's okay, too.)

The narrative is fairly simple, and is really more of a message than a story. But it works. The illustrations are the perfect complement, highlighting all things pink without ending up too garish.

I'd recommend this to all little pink lovers to show them that their favourite colour is perfectly okay. And I'd also recommend it to those who might be giving pink lovers a hard time. Pink truly is for everybody who likes it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5