I'm Jay, Let's Play

by Beth Reichmuth, Nomy Lamm (Illustrator)

I'm Jay, Let's Play, by Beth Reichmuth and Nomy Lamm, is an exciting story about Jay's morning at preschool playing with friends. Jay loves playing in the kitchen, driving dump trucks, twirling in skirts and crashing tall towers. Jay, Ren, Finn, Casey and Riley are dynamic kids with exciting ideas -- probably a lot like any preschooler you know and love. I'm Jay, Let's Play models gender fluidity as a normal and delightful part of the lives of young children. Rather than gendered pronouns, the characters in this book are referred to by their names. Their styles and interests are equally open-ended. To support adults in navigating the conversations that may arise, a note in the back of the book offers some suggestions of simple, inclusive, developmentally appropriate messages about gender for all young children. Gender expression can be playful. It can be dynamic. It can be joyful. And in I'm Jay, Let's Play -- it is.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Encian Pastel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows twenty or so minutes in the life of a preschool student, and includes a diverse array of characters with many gender expressions, skin colors, and visible disabilities. The plot is about the children’s play (pizza party!); meanwhile, the book avoids assigning gender identities to any of the children, but shows several children whose names, haircuts, and clothes might make others guess “male” enjoying wearing skirts (they twirl! They sparkle!). Illustrations are crowded and exuberant, like the action they depict. Includes a helpful conversation navigation guide for adults, at the end.

One of the few books (as of yet) that display expansive gender expressions in a positive light (no bullying), and without it being the main plot point (an issue book). As such, in my opinion, indispensable to any library serving 2-5 year olds. I'd say it's best for 3's and 4's, but my 5's and 6's like it as well.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has all the chaotic energy of preschool. The illustrations have a messy quality, with bright colors and squiggly rhymes. The story is all action - delivering pizza on trucks, rushing around, construction, dress-up and lots of pretend until it is time to clean-up. The main character, Jay, wears Jeans and a tutu and an endnote raises questions that can be asked about gender. Most of the children are somewhat neutral in their presentation but the point made at the end of the book is that sparkly skirts are for anyone who likes them. And for one child in this book, a construction vest and shorts (no shirt) is what makes them happy.