March 27, 2017
What makes a feminist baby? According to Brantz (Not Just a Dot), it’s a combination of joy (either from pounding on pots or from going pants-free), self-expression (dressing oneself in a necktie, woolen hat, and outrageously frilly skirt), and doing things her own way: “Feminist baby likes pink and blue/ Sometimes she’ll throw up on you!” With a palette as brash as her heroine, Brantz pictures this boundary-free little one as a big-eyed, roly-poly dumpling, usually not wearing any more than a diaper and a hair bow. It’s just the thing to encourage kids to be loud, proud, and uncowed. Up to age 2. Agent: Edward Maxwell, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
Starred review from July 1, 2017
Feminist Baby fights the patriarchy. Feminist Baby is strong and smart, and she makes tons of noise. With each turn of the page little readers will learn the importance of doing their own thing regardless of what others think of them. She likes both pink and blue, chooses her own outfits, plays with both dolls and cars, and "is as smart as she seems." This last is indicated by a paper covered in toddlerlike scrawl that includes the notation "E=MC2." This board book will surely be given to many millennial parents-to-be at baby showers across the country, and the lessons within are just as important to caregivers as they are to their little bundles of joy. At the end of the day, Feminist Baby is a happy, well-adjusted tot who feels free to be herself. What caregivers wouldn't want that level of confidence in their own children? The round, bouncy illustrations are colored with yellows, pinks, and blues, forming dynamic compositions that little readers will love. Adults will appreciate the final page's visual quote of Rosie the Riveter along with the text: "Feminist Baby can be whatever she dreams!" An engaging and poignant board book that belongs on every little one's bookshelf. (Board book. 6 mos.-2)
COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
April 1, 2017
Baby-Toddler-Adapted from Brantz's viral comic, this charming board book will amuse budding feminists and their adults. The title character refuses to be limited by gender stereotypes. She loves pink and blue; she plays with dolls and cars. The rambunctious little one revels in her body, her love of music, and her absolute baby-ness. The rhyming text is singsong and makes for a great read-aloud. The large, expressive eyes; bold lines and font; and bright, cartoonish illustrations will delight the youngest of readers. The strong girl power message makes feminism and following your dreams accessible to toddlers. The final image, of Feminist Baby in Rosie the Riveter-inspired garb, will elicit chuckles and bring the message home. VERDICT A laugh-out-loud, smart, and much-needed addition to board book collections.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.