Neither

Neither

In this colorful and touching story that celebrates what makes each of us unique, a little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny--it's "neither"--searches for a place to fit in. In the Land of This and That, there are only two kinds: blue bunnies and yellow birds. But one day a funny green egg hatches, and a little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny pops out. It's neither! Neither tries hard to fit in, but its bird legs aren't good for jumping like the other bunnies, and its fluffy tail isn't good for flapping like the other birds. It sets out to find a new home and discovers a very different place, one with endless colors and shapes and creatures of all kinds. But when a blue bunny and a yellow bird with some hidden differences of their own arrive, it's up to Neither to decide if they are welcome in the Land of All. This colorful, simple, and touching story promotes diversity and offers a valuable lesson to the youngest of audiences: it is our differences that unite us.From School Library JournalK-Gr 2-This relatable tale of not fitting in begins in the Land of This and That where one is either a blue bunny or a yellow bird. When a green bird-bunny hybrid is hatched, it declares itself Both. In the Land of This and That one must be one or the other, being both is not acceptable. So Both is instead declared Neither and it is suggested in no uncertain terms that as "not one of us" it should find "Somewhere Else." Both flies away and alights in the The Land of All where myriad creatures in all colors, shapes, and sizes live and all are welcome. Both even welcomes some of his former Landmates who don't fit in the Land of This and That. Featuring lots of bright bold colors, plenty of word balloons, and a ton of fantastic critters (like a purple butterfly cat) Anderson's illustrations are a perfect match for the message of her text. Who knew a bird-bunny face could be so expressive? Cleverly, Anderson never specifies a name or gender, so her bird-bunny is a perfect avatar for all. VERDICT This less-than-subtle tale of belonging hits all right notes and is filled with fun, fantastical creatures to boot. The last line of the book sums it all up-"Once upon a time there were many kinds?and all were welcome!"-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NHReviewA 2019 Rainbow Book List Selection?"Anderson (Cat's Colors) tackles exclusion, difference, and identity in a sweet-tempered fable.... Anderson's candy-colored palette and adorable cast of creatures reflect a spectrum of states of being, creating a book that works as a resource for conversations about race, blended identities, gender norms, and more."?Publishers Weekly"This stands out for its accessibility to even very young read-aloud audiences. A sweet story of acceptance for all those who are this, that, neither, either, and everything in between."?Kirkus"Hits all right notes and is filled with fun, fantastical creatures to boot."?School Library Journal"A positive celebration of diversity and how our world is a better place when everyone is included."?The Reading Eagle"Features key parts of the transgender experience and is perfect for kids in kindergarten through second grade."?Out.comAbout the AuthorAirlie Anderson is the author and illustrator ofCat's Colors,Momo and Snap Are Not Friends, and numerous other books for children. She is also the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, the Independent Publishers Book Award, and the Practical Preschool Award. She grew up in California, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, and now lives in New Jersey. She invites you to visit her online at AirlieAnderson.com.