You get right to the point of the matter with What Are You? Well, okay it takes a couple minutes (after all doggies must play and you can ask questions afterwards). But soon the poodles that a young puggle is playing with ask The Question, “What are you?” Our hero replies, “Dog.” But no, that is not good enough for them. As this young pup looks nothing like what dogs look like. Or do they?
Dealing with the “Where are you Really From?” or “Are you really X?” and the stereotypes that can go along with that, Christian Trimmer’s early-reader picture book is warm, funny, and thoughtful. The concept is introduced at a younger reader understanding and even can help some adults with wording when they are asked these questions by children about themselves (the adult), or others the child is around.
Mike Curato compliments the idea of identity, race, and who we are with bright, easy to view images. Everything is colorful, a cute cartoon quality and bouncy. Even though the text is serious, the illustrators help keep things with a lighter tone. Everything is child-friendly and sweet to the eye.
Preschool up to about second grade (but due to the easier picture book format, some older readers might be turned off to the format), should have this in their classroom. As a good read aloud to a group or solo, this is a must to have. Due in October 2022 this will give you time to check out some of Trimmer’s other books. One, which seems to have a similar title, would be Teddy’s Favorite Toy (I only say this as I am about to go look for a copy myself).