Name: He's My Mom!
ISBN: 9781787755741

Sarah Savage

An illustrated picture book for kids age 3-7, telling the story of Benjamin and his mom, David. Benjamin speaks with confidence about pronouns, transitioning, misgendering, family diversity and dysphoria, and emphasises why we need to treat trans people with respect.

A Story for Children Who Have a Transgender Parent Or Relative

He's My Mom!

Lysh (She/Her)

*Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Please note that I am not an own voices reviewer and it is important to listen to members of the transgender community first and foremost *

This picture-story book aims to open up conversation and aid in teaching children about what it means to have a transgender parent or relative. 

A young child tells the story about their mom and how he transitioned recently. The child tells the reader why it's important to use the correct pronouns and explains how they feel in some circumstances, like when the wrong pronouns are used or when their mom was in the hospital for transition surgery. 

I really loved the simple illustrations to support the important message behind the text itself. There are also useful discussion questions and a glossary of terms included at the back of the book to aid in meaningful and respectful conversations.

The whole topic is encapsulated in a wider story about the child and their mom going to a social event together, which provides context and more importantly does not make a big deal out of this identify, but rather positions some people being Transgender as an everday, normal reality - which it is!

From a teaching perspective, this book would be particularly useful if there is a child in your lower primary class who has a transgender parent or relative, though I would definitely check with the parent first to ensure that the representation suits their circumstances and they would like this discussion to go ahead in the classroom or one-on-one with the child. Obvisouly comes down to individual circumstances and preferences. 

I would recommend this text to ages 5 to 7.

He's My Mom! A Story for Children Who Have a Transgender Parent Or Relative

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