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Dear Boy,
The follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Girl, by beloved children’s book author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and her daughter, Paris Rosenthal.
Paris Rosenthal teams up with her father, Jason Rosenthal, the author of the Modern Love article “My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me,” to bring you the heartwarming and inspirational Dear Boy,.
Dear Boy, is an open love letter to the special boy in your life. Boys, too, need a gentle reminder that they are cool, clever, compassionate, and one of a kind.
With the same tenderness as Dear Girl,, Paris and Jason’s charming text will make any boy listening to this book feel that he's amazing just the way he is—whether he’s offering a helping hand, singing in a choir, or reaching for the stars!
…be kind
…always trust magic
…and pursue your dreams.
Paris Rosenthal teams up with her father, Jason Rosenthal, the author of the Modern Love article “My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me,” to bring you the heartwarming and inspirational Dear Boy,.
Dear Boy, is an open love letter to the special boy in your life. Boys, too, need a gentle reminder that they are cool, clever, compassionate, and one of a kind.
With the same tenderness as Dear Girl,, Paris and Jason’s charming text will make any boy listening to this book feel that he's amazing just the way he is—whether he’s offering a helping hand, singing in a choir, or reaching for the stars!
…be kind
…always trust magic
…and pursue your dreams.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2019
35 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Paris Rosenthal
10 books19 followersParis Rosenthal is the coauthor of two New York Times bestselling picture books, Dear Girl (with her mother, Amy Krouse Rosenthal) and Dear Boy (with her father, Jason Rosenthal), along with Dear Baby and Dear Teacher. A graduate of Quest University, in British Columbia, Canada, she now lives and works in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
April 24, 2019
Co-authors Paris and Jason Rosenthal, the daughter and husband of the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the prolific picture-book author and memoirist who passed away in 2017, present this follow-up to
Dear Girl,
, an affirmational title which was the joint project of Paris and her mother. Just as that earlier volume offered a picture-book advice manual for young girls, so this one offers the same for young boys. Each two-page spread features some words of wisdom - be kind, make friends with those like and unlike you, and so on - which are paired with illustrations from Holly Hatam...
Like its predecessor, I found Dear Boy, engaging, appreciated the soundness of the advice offered, and found the artwork appealing. That said, I don't know that this one was as poignant to read, as Dear Girl, was. Perhaps this is owing to the fact that the earlier book was published in 2018, after Amy Krouse Rosenthal had already died, and read like a love letter from a mother who knew she was to be parted from her daughter (much as her piece in The New York Times was a love letter to her husband). However that may be, although not the equal of the earlier book, in my estimation, it is still quite impressive, when one considers that it is co-author Jason Rosenthal's debut. Recommended to anyone looking for inspirational and aspirational picture-books for boys.
Like its predecessor, I found Dear Boy, engaging, appreciated the soundness of the advice offered, and found the artwork appealing. That said, I don't know that this one was as poignant to read, as Dear Girl, was. Perhaps this is owing to the fact that the earlier book was published in 2018, after Amy Krouse Rosenthal had already died, and read like a love letter from a mother who knew she was to be parted from her daughter (much as her piece in The New York Times was a love letter to her husband). However that may be, although not the equal of the earlier book, in my estimation, it is still quite impressive, when one considers that it is co-author Jason Rosenthal's debut. Recommended to anyone looking for inspirational and aspirational picture-books for boys.
July 5, 2019
Very sweet, just not as poignent as Dear Girl, which is too bad.
July 25, 2019
Maybe I’m overthinking this, but the subliminal « me too » messages that boys are so unevolved that they must have « No means NO » shouted at them is sad and insulting. Boys get enough degrading messages without this FARSHTUNKENEH piece of crap . Feh!
September 9, 2019
Sure, it's a little hokey. But you know what? Sometimes we all need to be reminded that we are valued and it's okay not be know everything and to be kind. So hokey or not, I liked it. The world needs more sentimental things.
May 1, 2019
Just as wonderful and sweet as Dear Girl.
October 12, 2019
This truly warmed my cold dead heart.
April 18, 2019
Find my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
DEAR BOY is a series of reflections on and advice for life, geared towards boys. With statements encouraging them to follow their dreams, make friends who are like and unlike them, and believe in magic. With colorful and fun illustrations, this is a celebration of being a child that is a pleasure to share with your little one.
What I loved: The illustrations in this book are colorful, vivid, and completely gorgeous (for instance, the “always trust magic” page is unbelievably awesome). Just flipping through pages to enjoy the pictures is a pleasure. Add that to the fun and enthusiastic messages for a young child, and this is a delightful book from cover to cover.
While much of the book is light-hearted, it also carries some important lessons, such as to be kind and about consent (that yes means yes and anything else means no). This book can be a real conversation starter with toddlers who are learning so much about the world around them.
Regardless, this book is beautiful and clever, a joy to read with young ones. The word-to-picture ratio is ideal for young toddlers through preschoolers/early elementary schoolers, and the vivid images will delight young readers across ages.
Final verdict: This lovely book is perfect for parents to read and enjoy with toddlers and young readers. The illustrations are just beautiful and the text is encouraging and full of great advice. Highly recommend for parents and young boys who enjoy picture books.
DEAR BOY is a series of reflections on and advice for life, geared towards boys. With statements encouraging them to follow their dreams, make friends who are like and unlike them, and believe in magic. With colorful and fun illustrations, this is a celebration of being a child that is a pleasure to share with your little one.
What I loved: The illustrations in this book are colorful, vivid, and completely gorgeous (for instance, the “always trust magic” page is unbelievably awesome). Just flipping through pages to enjoy the pictures is a pleasure. Add that to the fun and enthusiastic messages for a young child, and this is a delightful book from cover to cover.
While much of the book is light-hearted, it also carries some important lessons, such as to be kind and about consent (that yes means yes and anything else means no). This book can be a real conversation starter with toddlers who are learning so much about the world around them.
Regardless, this book is beautiful and clever, a joy to read with young ones. The word-to-picture ratio is ideal for young toddlers through preschoolers/early elementary schoolers, and the vivid images will delight young readers across ages.
Final verdict: This lovely book is perfect for parents to read and enjoy with toddlers and young readers. The illustrations are just beautiful and the text is encouraging and full of great advice. Highly recommend for parents and young boys who enjoy picture books.
August 7, 2019
Wonderful!
August 14, 2019
Good for lap reading
May 18, 2021
All the messages in this book sounded like someone who hated men giving advice to little boys.
I really don’t think small children need to be introduced to the concept of consent like this...the “no means no” message really comes out of left field hits you in the face and leaves you standing in the middle of Target wondering if you’ll find an inspiring book to read to your son that doesn’t assume he’s innately a bad human.
I really don’t think small children need to be introduced to the concept of consent like this...the “no means no” message really comes out of left field hits you in the face and leaves you standing in the middle of Target wondering if you’ll find an inspiring book to read to your son that doesn’t assume he’s innately a bad human.
May 22, 2019
Exactly what you think it is: sentimental, modern, touchy-feely,, obvious. Simplistic illustrations. Companion to Dear Girl.
June 28, 2019
3.5 ** some truly outstanding pages
December 28, 2022
I hate giving this book only 3 stars. There aren't enough picture books like this that invite boys to defy gender stereotypes and reassure kids that boys can cry, play with dolls, and be caring. And this really is a good book. You bet I bought a copy and will be reading it to my son. It covers all sorts of important values: good sportsmanship, consent, kindness, creativity.
But I'm going to be really picky. This book is great, it just doesn't go far enough. Consider the companion book, Dear Girl, which says "Sometimes you just need a good cry...Sometimes you'll need a tissue. Sometimes you'll need a bucket." Whereas Dear Boy just says "Feeling cloudy? It's okay to let the rain fall." The rest of the book is not filled with metaphors, so I think it's okay to say point-blank to a boy: "It's okay to cry." They need to hear it, no words minced. I also wish the book had a few more examples of defying stereotypes (though there are some great images here of boys reading books and playing with dolls), such as: it's okay for boys to wear whatever they want, including pink and dresses; it's okay for boys NOT to play sports; it's okay to like whatever you want to like.
I think I just need to write my own book on the subject.
But I'm going to be really picky. This book is great, it just doesn't go far enough. Consider the companion book, Dear Girl, which says "Sometimes you just need a good cry...Sometimes you'll need a tissue. Sometimes you'll need a bucket." Whereas Dear Boy just says "Feeling cloudy? It's okay to let the rain fall." The rest of the book is not filled with metaphors, so I think it's okay to say point-blank to a boy: "It's okay to cry." They need to hear it, no words minced. I also wish the book had a few more examples of defying stereotypes (though there are some great images here of boys reading books and playing with dolls), such as: it's okay for boys to wear whatever they want, including pink and dresses; it's okay for boys NOT to play sports; it's okay to like whatever you want to like.
I think I just need to write my own book on the subject.
November 14, 2019
Written as a letter of advice to a boy that you love, this book tells boys some great things- like be friends with girls, try your best, be kind, and more... There aren't any pieces of advice in here I would disagree with, and hopefully, these are things a young boy would take to heart.
A lovely gift for a young boy in your life.
A lovely gift for a young boy in your life.
December 26, 2019
In the same spirit of Amy Rosenthal’s Dear Girl, this picture book companion shares so many of the important things to remember, to do, and to experience during boyhood. ❤ The bright and ever changing artwork in this book was created digitally.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
December 5, 2020
As anmom of boys, I am constantly saying things to them like "be kind" and "it is ok to want to play with dolls" but you know when things come from your mom.... they are not always believed?? When it comes from a BOOK.. well now that makes it a fact! Both my boys love this... I see in their faces that the messages ring true, and it cannot hurt to be reminded over and over to love who they are, and that I am always here for them. A must have on your shelf
December 23, 2020
This one made me tear up too, but I don't like it quite as much as Dear Girl but maybe I don't relate to it as much.
September 30, 2021
Dear Boy by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Encourages readers to accept and love themselves as they are and advises them to be confident, curious, adaptable, and willing to speak up. -Christine
Encourages readers to accept and love themselves as they are and advises them to be confident, curious, adaptable, and willing to speak up. -Christine
November 10, 2021
These books are so sweet and I have bought 2 of them for women who are expecting as their baby shower gifts.
September 22, 2020
Give this book to the little boys you love 💕
November 7, 2019
A love letter to little boys to encourage them to be the best they can be.
Paris wrote the book Dear Girl with her mother who has since passed away. This book is written with her dad and does a good job of matching the tone of Dear Girl but differentiating it in ways that will help a boy grow to be a wonderful man. It's sweet and cute and from the heart.
Paris wrote the book Dear Girl with her mother who has since passed away. This book is written with her dad and does a good job of matching the tone of Dear Girl but differentiating it in ways that will help a boy grow to be a wonderful man. It's sweet and cute and from the heart.
March 8, 2021
I read this book out of curiosity and it as good as Dear Girl.
October 31, 2019
Same author who did dear, girl beautful words of wisdom to a young boy.
February 10, 2024
Some stereotypes and some pandering to go along with some nice messaging and images. About as subtle as a hammer wrapped in cloth, this was the first children's book I've come across which I'm unsure about reading to my future child.
October 12, 2019
This is a letter to boys, partly inspirational ("Dear Boy, Believe in yourself") and partly pedagogical ("Dear Boy, Yes means yes. Anything else means no.")
Holly Hatam’s art is great - the kids loved the illustration of the hockey player in chorus.
Holly Hatam’s art is great - the kids loved the illustration of the hockey player in chorus.
June 1, 2019
Just like Dear Girl, this book is pretty amazing! It is a powerful, uplifting book, that puts boys in the spotlight. I think all classrooms, libraries, and parents should have a copy of this book as it informs boys that no matter who they are, they are loved, accepted and important.
With a cheerful stance, the book addresses “Dear Boy” as it explains some of the many different circumstances that he might encounter with fun, cute illustrations. The authors explain that it’s okay for “Dear Boy” to not know all the answers to the questions that are presented to him, that being honest is the best choice in a situation, that he don’t always have to play with “boy” toys, and that it’s fun to have different friends for the different things that you do in life. These are just a few of the topics that the authors cover in this book that is sure to give any reader, encouragement and confident to face the day. If you haven’t read Dear Girl, you should check out that book too as they go hand-in-hand with this book. Dear Girl puts girls in the spotlight, giving them the inspiration and motivation to succeed. I highly recommended both books.
With a cheerful stance, the book addresses “Dear Boy” as it explains some of the many different circumstances that he might encounter with fun, cute illustrations. The authors explain that it’s okay for “Dear Boy” to not know all the answers to the questions that are presented to him, that being honest is the best choice in a situation, that he don’t always have to play with “boy” toys, and that it’s fun to have different friends for the different things that you do in life. These are just a few of the topics that the authors cover in this book that is sure to give any reader, encouragement and confident to face the day. If you haven’t read Dear Girl, you should check out that book too as they go hand-in-hand with this book. Dear Girl puts girls in the spotlight, giving them the inspiration and motivation to succeed. I highly recommended both books.
July 10, 2019
As expected, this is such a beautiful book. It is a follow-up to Dear Girl, another NYT bestseller. This inspiring letter to the little little boys of the world will give you chills as you read it. The flow of the text is impeccable. I enjoyed every word. The Rosenthals clearly left their hearts on the pages of this book and we are the better for it.
Hatam’s illustrations are just stunning and reflect those of Dear Girl,, beautifully. I love the diversity of the characters because they reflect our world today. The color palette is warm and welcoming just like the text. Dear Boy, is an excellent book to read at bedtime by a parent or caregiver or read by a young boy as his own personal affirmation to himself. Another job well done by the Rosenthal’s!
Hatam’s illustrations are just stunning and reflect those of Dear Girl,, beautifully. I love the diversity of the characters because they reflect our world today. The color palette is warm and welcoming just like the text. Dear Boy, is an excellent book to read at bedtime by a parent or caregiver or read by a young boy as his own personal affirmation to himself. Another job well done by the Rosenthal’s!
July 29, 2019
Crafted by Paris Rosenthal and her father Jason as a companion to Dear Girl, a "dear" book she wrote with her late mother Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It's a book to boost you if you're a boy, a book that gives a hug to all things boys can be. I like the lines later in the book that "whenever you need an encouraging boost, remember you can turn to any page in this book." It's a hug for boys, might just be what is needed sometimes! Holly Hatam also illustrated this book, filled with her signature line drawings and collages.
May 2, 2019
This book is everything. This book should be bought and read to and shared with little boys everywhere, every day (just like "Dear Girl," should be done with little girls). There is a part in this book that caused me to tear up. It caused me to pause, to take a breath, take a moment, and thank the authors for writing it. And to thank Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I hope it is as big as a "THIS" moment for others as it was for me.
October 26, 2021
As a Christian I was pretty disappointed to have this gifted to us for a baby shower. A friend was reading to our baby and not knowing what was in the book I grabbed this for them to read. Messages like “sometimes you might wanna play with dolls” and “anything but yes means no” and “trust magic” don’t fly with this mom. I’m all for teaching my son to respect women but c’mon, done subtly in a baby’s book coupled with lib messages? No thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews