The Book of Boys (for Girls) and the Book of Girls (for Boys)

Author: David T. Greenberg
Illustrator: Joy Allen
Year: 2005
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Beginning Reader (ages 4-8)

Genre: Picture Book/Poetry
Location: Anywhere, U.S.A.
Time Period: Present Day (2005)

Plot: Starting off with the classic nursery rhymes stating what little boys and girls are made of, this book turns into a battle of the sexes, with girls on left pages talking about what they don't like about boys, and boys on right pages talking about what they don't like about girls. Peace is restored when each gender discusses the things they like about the other.

Comments: The text on the inside flap of this book states that it is intended as two books in one. "Boys can read the Book of Girls (for Boys) on the left side, and the girls can counter by reading the Book of Boys (for Girls) on the right." Text isn't always lined up this way, however, so it might be hard for two people to read the different parts at the same time. It's a very fun idea, however, and the rhymes are creative. The watercolor and pencil drawings are fun and bright, and they show a lot of action. Children who are entering the "cootie" stage would enjoy this book.

Themes: Boys, Girls, Getting Along, Looking for the Good in Others.

Red Flags: A few burp and fart jokes, Children misbehaving

Multicultural Elements: Children of many different cultures are depicted