From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born in a little blue house on a hill. And Miu Lan is not just any child, but one who can change into any shape they can imagine. The only problem is they can't decide what to be: A boy or a girl? A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, though, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children, and they have trouble finding friends who will accept them for who they are. But they find comfort in the loving arms of their mother, who always offers them the same loving refrain: "whatever you dream of / i believe you can be / from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea."
In this captivating, beautifully imagined picture book about gender, identity, and the acceptance of the differences between us, Miu Lan faces many questions about who they are and who they may be. But one thing's for sure: no matter what this child becomes, their mother will love them just the same.
Kai Cheng Thom is a writer, performance artist, and psychotherapist in Toronto. Her first poetry book, a Place Called No Homeland, was published in 2017. Kai Yun Ching is a community-based organizer, educator, and illustrator in Montreal. Wai-Yant Li is a ceramics artist and illustrator in Montreal.
Reviews (51)
Non-binary child of color
Finally! This book has so many things missing from children's literature. First, the main character, Miu Lan, is nonbinary: neither a boy nor a girl. Second, Miu Lan is clearly non-white. There are few depictions of trans* children of color in children's literature. Lastly, this book reads like a fairy tale picture book. It presents its message about gender calmly and age-appropriately, and teaches the reader to value people for who they are, not which box they fit in.
Beautiful Self, Beautiful Story
A beautiful story, beautifully told and illustrated. As a transgender man, I love finding LGBTQ+ friendly books for my nephew. Irrespective of whether he turns out to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I hope his view of the world and of others is as beautiful as the world portrayed in this book.
A great story for preschool aged kids
I got this for my 4 year old's preschool, and we loved the story. She is at the age where kids really start to notice and focus on differences between people and I wanted a story that taught how differences are what make people interesting and unique. This book accomplishes that, and lays great groundwork to break down the gender roles that are also so prominent at her age. She often says things are just for girls or just for boys and this challenged her to think that not only could boys and girls like the same things, but maybe it doesn't matter so much to put people in a category of girl or boy. I bought another copy to have at home.
Inclusiveness is paramount.
A perfect book. It doesn't exhort, doesn't preach. A gentle presentation of the value of all people. The artwork is also enchanting.
A Perfect Jewel
This is a truly delightful book. The story is enchanting and the illustrations are perfect. It's important to let children know that they can be a nonconformist without becoming a stereotype. It's a sad comment on our times that it has taken this long for a book like this to be produced. It's universal and relevant to us all.
Buy it for every child you know. And maybe yourself, too
I bought this as a gift for a friend’s baby when her mother said she wanted more LGBTQ+ books for the child’s library. When I first read it, I cried. The story is powerful, accessible, a positive message for all types of children, and uplifting. Stunning illustrations. I will be buying several more copies for all the kids in my life.
This book is beautiful. The illustrations
This book is beautiful. The illustrations, the words, and the spirit of the book are all perfect. So are the conversations it started with our three year old. Her older sister and I have tried to explain gender neutral pronouns. She gets it and forgets. This visually cemented it for her. We are very grateful for this work of art.
Fantastic message, beautiful illustrations
I sent this to my niece and my conservative brother/sister-in-law. Perfect book to give to any family about the unnecessary restrictions gender roles place on children.
Wonderful!
This is a beautiful story for any child, but especially for gender queer children. The use of they/them pronouns was well done, the artwork is amazing, the story was lovely. I'm so happy to have found this book. It should be a part of every child's library.
Much to love
This is my new favorite book to read to my young daughters. I love the empowering messages. I love the fact that it doesn't make it seem like moms love is a magic bandaid that makes everything better and allows for both comfort and worry. And I love that it is an inclusive message to add to our multicultural library.
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