| I Want to Be a Vase has some great points. As the publisher description says: “An ambitious toilet plunger expresses his desire to be a vase.” This theme allows for a two-part story. The first part of Julio Torres’ story is that if you put your mind to it, you can be whatever you want to be. The second part is a story of you do not have to be what you were born as. Therefore, allowing a transgender story to take shape. | |
And that is where my likes stopped. I found the characters unrelatable and unlikable. Then again, I am not sure how I would relate to a plunger, toilet, hair dryer or cooking pot (though I think I might understand a vacuum cleaner, as I tend to know my enemies…. long story). I felt the characters were somewhat whiney and pushy. Though, I will admit others will just find them confident and proud. The difference, which I will point out, is a fine line.
I am sure Julian Glander is a nice person, but their illustrations are terribly sugary, saccharine, over the top sweet. The colors are way too bright, pleather shiny, and PINK. And not pretty in pink, but Pepto-Bismol pink (my sister had her room painted a Pepto pink once. It still haunts me in my dreams)! And I am sorry to say, the colors and format seriously hurt my eyes to view. I was getting a headache while going through the book.
This book is not going to be for everyone. And like Plunger learns to be proud and happy with what they are, you too should be proud and happy if you like it. And, if you do not like it, that’s okay, too. Be proud and like who you are and stand firm this was not for you.
