Introducing Teddy: A gentle story about gender and friendship

I am a preschool teacher that was looking for a read-a-loud book that was appropriate for supporting a socially transitioning preschooler in a mixed age (3-6 classroom). I ordered lots of books from Amazon that I felt were developmentally inappropriate (preschoolers are pre-operational thinkers that engage in magical thinking, are discovering sexual difference, and are not yet capable of logical operations and abstract thought; typically developing, native English speaking children only master pronouns around 46 months of age and a significant number of my students are younger than that, or ELS or special needs students; our curriculum only teachers grammar and word study- nouns/pronouns- to children that are five and older; it is normal for young children to experiment with gender, as they are just developing their understanding of this concept; and most children this age are focused on the psychosocial tasks of attachment security, autonomy, and independence, questions about whether the world is safe and what can I do for myself, not 'who am I'/social identity questions) or included a lot of negative examples of episodes of peer (and family) exclusion and harassment (the gender nonconforming child being teased or harassed- which hasn't happened in my classroom and I didn't want described/modelled to children that weren't engaging in that behavior) before the protagonist was ultimately accepted.Finally, I came across this suggestion in an article called 'Focus on Ethics: Gender Expression and Identity' (2019) by the National Association for the Education of Young Children's website. I am so glad I did!This book addresses the issue facing educators in supporting a non gender conforming student or transgendered student, which is facilitating acceptance, inclusivity, creating a safe, welcoming classroom, where all feel seen and valued, and preventing teasing and exclusion, with a light, age appropriate touch. When Teddy feels uncomfortable with his name and gender expression, he lets his friends know that it is making him sad, and he wants to be known as Tilly. Despite Tilly's anxiety, Tilly's friends immediately listen to and care about Tilly's feelings, accept her decision, want their friend to feel comfortable and cared for, and verbalize that their friend is still the same person inside (no matter what they are called). That was the message I wanted to convey to my classroom to support this student. Just the right amount of information. Perfect!The best book on this topic for the youngest children.

One of the really special books that have come out in the past few years that addresses trans acceptance in a developmentally appropriate way. This is perfect for PreK-2

Every child should have a range of books available, exploring the amazing diversity of life from race, to sexual identity or orientation. Transgender kids suffer, often because they don't even know what is "wrong" with them and they are afraid and ashamed to communicate with their parents. I feel that presenting diversity to our children in this gentle light achieves so many different educational goals:1-It introduces diversity so that minorities can be understood, accepted, and appreciated for their unique contribution to our society2-It gives children who belong to a minority a chance to identify themselves, give a name to their feelings, communicate them, and take measure to feel whole, integrated, and accepted for who they are.This book achieved both of those things for me. Also, it broke some gender stereotypes, with cis-girls and boys playing and entertaining themselves as children not as stereotypical boys or girls. Girls can be engineers, boys might love dancing or cooking. All children should be loved regardless of their identity or sexual orientation or hobby of choice.A must for young and old readers alike. I am a thirty-something cis woman with no children and I very much enjoyed this book and will gift it to many friends.

This is one of my favorite books I’ve gotten for my son. It’s teaching him acceptance in others and in himself. Such a powerful book that beautifully explains hard to understand concepts easily for children.

A very cute and gentle approach to this topic. I donated this to me son's classroom and the kids enjoyed it. I gave four stars because the story doesn't really fully engage kids... At first my son and other kids found it less interesting than some of the other picture books on the same topic, but I did really like the messages in this book that are directed more towards friends of those in transition which I found to be helpful for the class

This is a fantastic book for explaining gender identity at a beginner level. No, it does not go in depth, but it is an introduction to the idea that can then be elaborated on. I am a therapist and my partner is trans and I believe this is a fantastic starting point we can use to discuss these issues with our child. Do not assume this will replace a conversation with your little one, but it will be a great jumping off point.

I got this book as a resource to help with the conversation I had with my daughters (ages 7 & 5), when my spouse (their former "dad") came out as Transgender and was in transition. It helped solidify what I explained to them and my 7 year old even said afterwards, "Oh! Teddy is just like Mama." It's a simple story, filled with love and happiness, and isn't presented as some serious, "scary" idea, which is wonderful for kids experiencing a person in their lives who is transgender.

My kiddos all loved this book! A wonderful and sweet introduction to gender non-conformity

A family member recently came out as trans, so we bought this after reading reviews, hoping it could help in discussions with our 2 and 5 year olds.We have dutifully read it a few times, but it's not a book they ask for. They find the story and teddy character unengaging - they are mainly interested in the robot at the tea party and wish it had more of a part to play!For me, the bowtie/hair bow as outward symbol of Teddy's identity change was problematic and doesn't really make sense (if everyone should be able to dress how they feel comfortable whoever they are, why couldn't Teddy wear a hair bow before the revelation??), though I suppose it makes some kind of sense given the age of the intended audience, and the author does try to distance the story from the stereotype by having the girl character cast off her bow.It's a sweet and heartfelt concept and the pictures are lovely, so 2 stars for that, but it didn't really speak to my kids as a story book or as a discussion tool.

A really sweet story to introduce young children to the idea of being transgender. I bought a copy for my 4 year old brother after I came out as transgender and he seemed to enjoy it.I might have some complaints about the story itself if it wasn't for the age range it was written for but it does a good job at what it set out to do and is appropriate for young children. Plus the illustrations are adorable.

It's just not great, and really it should be called introducing Tess. I think they could have gotten the same point across by editing this down, it didn't need to be so long and just mweh.

Excellent book. Help my child's class understand my child's situation.

Fantastic story