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It’s OK for boys to hug each other!

Here’s a free printable comic I made to teach kids (and many grownups) that hugging is for everyone, not just girls and moms. Boys should learn that physical affection feels good and that they can express it to each other (with consent, of course!)

Teachers and parents, you can download it here and print it for school or home use (no commercial uses allowed).

For more free printable posters, visit my boutique in the “free printable stuff” section. To see my books, click here. If you want to license this image, contact my agent (Contact form above).

Pink, Blue and You: my new book is in stores today!

My new book is in stores today! Let’s teach our kids that their gender shouldn’t define who they are, what they like and who they love. Buy it here!

Here’s a starred review from the School Library Journal:

“In her signature style, Gravel (What Is a Refugee? and others) and Blais provide an accessible introduction to gender and gender stereotypes. Beginning with smart, open-ended questions, the authors challenge readers to think about gender stereotypes, why they exist, and if they are true or fair. The book progresses to an overview of sex versus gender, complete with helpful visual aids, an exploration of pronouns, and ultimately, a few examples of how gender is treated in different communities. At each step, the authors ask readers what they think and how they feel. This engagement, coupled with the accessible presentation of the material, makes for an excellent resource. The folks depicted throughout vary in appearance, and include many skin tones, ages, and family structures. A few folks wear hijabs, and two others use wheelchairs. Gravel’s illustrative style is wildly appealing, and the comic-style presentation helps to endear the book to readers.

VERDICT: Thoughtful, engaging, and visually bright, this is an excellent addition to any library serving preschool and early elementary ages.”

Pink, Blue and You

Here’s my new book, written with Mykaell Blais. Pink, Blue and You: Questions for kids about gender stereotypes. You can preorder it HERE.

Here’s the starred review it got from the School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 2–In her signature style, Gravel (What Is a Refugee? and others) and Blais provide an accessible introduction to gender and gender stereotypes. Beginning with smart, open-ended questions, the authors challenge readers to think about gender stereotypes, why they exist, and if they are true or fair. The book progresses to an overview of sex versus gender, complete with helpful visual aids, an exploration of pronouns, and ultimately, a few examples of how gender is treated in different communities. At each step, the authors ask readers what they think and how they feel. This engagement, coupled with the accessible presentation of the material, makes for an excellent resource. The folks depicted throughout vary in appearance, and include many skin tones, ages, and family structures. A few folks wear hijabs, and two others use wheelchairs. Gravel’s illustrative style is wildly appealing, and the comic-style presentation helps to endear the book to readers.

Different ways to show kindness

Here’s a free printable comic I made to teach kids that there are many different ways to show kindness and to make people around you happier.

Teachers and parents, you can download it here and print it for school or home use (no commercial uses allowed).

Activity ideas for teachers:

• Ask your students to add other kind gestures and illustrate them.

• At the end of each day, ask your students to think of the ways they showed kindness and the ways they received it. This has the double benefit of reinforcing kindness and gratitude.

For more free printable posters, visit my boutique in the “free printable stuff” section. To see my books, click here. If you want to license this image, contact my agent (Contact form above).

Questions to ask yourself before commenting on social media

Here’s a free printable comic I made to teach kids (and many grownups) how to use social media in a considerate, kind, respectful and safe manner. Think before you comment; what you post online may last forever!

Teachers and parents, you can download it here and print it for school or home use (no commercial uses allowed).

For more free printable posters, visit my boutique in the “free printable stuff” section. To see my books, click here. If you want to license this image, contact my agent (Contact form above).

Onfim: free eBook

Here’s a free eBook for your kids and students! It’s the true story of Onfim, a little boy who lived in Russia 700 years ago and loved to draw. His art was preserved in soil for centuries and has been found recently. I found that story fascinating and thought that young readers would like it too.

No commercial use will be allowed. You can print and bind this book for personal or classroom use. To see my other books, click here.

I illustrated American stamps!

This was one of the most exciting assignments I’ve ever been given. I feel so lucky! These can be purchased in USPS stores. You can use the little stickers in the margins to customize your own monsters. I hope these little guys will travel all around the world!

I am doing my best

Making mistakes doesn’t make us bad people. We all deserve love and respect. As simple as it sounds, this message is hard to integrate and I still need to repeat it over and over every time I mess up. (And it stills sound fake!) To share with kids you love (or with yourself if you’re like me).

Teachers and parents, you can download it here and print it for school or home use (no commercial uses allowed). For more free printable posters, visit my boutique in the “free printable stuff” section. To see my books, click here. If you want to license this image, contact my agent (Contact form above).

Let kids be kids!

Why limit kids’ potential and interests based on archaic social norms and gender stereotypes? Kids should be kids.

Science doesn’t lie to you

Changing our mind when finding new information is the smart thing to do. It’s also very challenging for most people. It would be worrisome if scientists were never revising their previous conclusions.

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