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Los hombres lloramos
Nil está confundido. Nota que se va haciendo mayor y sabe que, cuando crecen, los niños se convierten en hombres. Pero... ¿cómo es ser hombre? Acompañemos a Nil en la aventura de crecer y descubrir la importancia de sentirse y ser uno mismo.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 8, 2026
In a Nutshell: A picture book about a boy who learns the wrong things about what it means to be a man. Excellent intent, but the execution needs a little more finetuning both in the plot and in the illustrations. Still, it ought to work when accompanied by discussions with an insightful adult.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
This book was originally published in Spanish under the title “Els homes plorem” in 2021. This English translation will be published in April 2026.
I grabbed this book as soon as I saw the title. Who can resist a book that finally teaches little boys what it truly means to be a man! After all, it's not like popular culture is replete with good male icons, and many parents too are still living with outdated ideas of masculinity. Plus, it's always easier to mould someone's thinking when young than to rectify it once they grow older. Such a book would be so important then! Much to my disappointment, the book doesn't exactly reach the potential promised.
The dedication has its heart in the right place: “to the men who embrace their own vulnerability.”
Neil is an interesting character, but a lot about his situation isn’t explained. We don’t know why he doesn’t have a father around (which is fine; many boys don’t), nor can we understand why he is suddenly worried about being a man. Regardless, I like his sincere attempt at finding out the answer to his query, even though he doesn’t end up learning the right things. What’s wrong in the book isn't a Neil issue but a plotting issue.
For one, having a male nurse in Neil’s school was an outstanding plotting decision. I haven’t read a single picture book where the school nurse is a man. There was so much opportunity here to talk about gender expectations and perceptions. Sadly, the nurse’s role, once he is done with Neil’s medical examination, is restricted to two tiny sentences, both connected to crying.
Further, a major chunk of the book is devoted to Neil’s exploration of the meaning of manhood. But his genuine conversation with the nurse is limited to four pages. This sounds like a lot, but remember it is a picture book, so four pages is just about 5-6 sentences. The switch in Neil’s behaviour is instantaneous, which is good. But the result of the switch is barely worth appreciating. He doesn’t apologise to those he hurt with his “machoisms” earlier that day. He only greets one friend and they instantly forget everything and move on (probably true to life as kids often behave this way). But worst, the readers doesn’t learn anything about Neil’s realisation of what it takes to be a man, except that crying doesn’t make him less of a man. We just get a vague acknowledgement that he knows now what kind of person (Note: “person”, not “man”. Biggest indication of the missed opportunity!) he wants to be and that he decides to “figure out the rest once he got older.” All this within just one page! 😐
The initial content was actually excellent. However, the meagre interaction with the nurse and the single-page turnaround dipped the overall impact of the book. Reducing some of the initial *research* done by Neil (either by eliminating some repetitive ideas or by shifting some text to the full-page graphics), would have provided a few more pages at the end to add necessary details to Neil’s learning. It could have been an apology for his behaviour, it could have been an acknowledgment that not all movies and books have role models worth emulating, it could even have been an extended scene with the nurse exploring why the little student thought men don’t cry.
Basically, all the discussion-worthy points about the lesson are missing from the text, so it is entirely up to the adult reading the book with the child to fill in all the gaps.
That said, I do love how the book demonstrates popular, social, and cultural perceptions of what it means to be a man. All the examples that Neil finds in books, movies, and video games are a sad reflection of how aggressive the portrayal of masculinity is in modern works. We aren’t doing right by boys (and men) at all if all we teach them is this stereotypical macho nonsense. (To be clear, some genres such as romances, UpLit, and historical fiction do have amazing male role models. But many men are reluctant to read these as they are seen as women’s genres.)
A picture book needs ample support from its illustrations, and in that regard, the artwork in this book performs quite well. Of course, it cannot resolve the above shortcomings because it is limited to supporting the text. But on its own, it is *mostly* outstanding. The graphics are coloured in a mixed water colour plus colour pencil style, lending a vividness to the pages. Neil’s expressions along with his gap-toothed smile are fun to watch. We can't miss his pet cat, who is clearly a vital part of his life. However, one of the pages shows Neil studying his chart of masculine attributes and this has some difficult words (belligerent, smug, reckless, vulnerability) that younger kids won't be familiar with and are slightly tough to explain as well. The only page where the graphics generated mixed emotions in me was the one supporting the line: “Neil paid attention to the men in his family”. This shows Neil’s relatives at a funeral, where all the women are crying but the men aren’t. While I get that this pivotal scene leads Neil to assume that men don’t cry, it also plays into stereotypes by showing all the women sobbing hard while the men don’t even look sad. Further, it even shows an old lady in the open casket. How the heck do you explain dead bodies in coffins to a three-year-old reader? A closed casket might have been better.
Overall, I adore the intent of this book but the execution needed more finesse. It’s sad that the build-up got a lot more page space than the resolution. Then again, it at least raises the topic of the meaning of manliness. With the right discussion, it could still work well.
Recommended to be read strictly with adult guidance and with loads of discussion. The official target age is 3-7 years.
3 stars.
My thanks to Charlesbridge for providing the DRC of “Men Cry” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
A picture book that handles a similar concept but in a much better way is 'Rhinos Don't Cry' by Mark Grist. It is not gender-focussed so it can work for all kids.Do check that one out as well!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Little Neil has been a bit worried of late. He can see clearly from his height chart that he is growing up, but when boys grow up, they become men, and no one has told Neil what men are supposed to do. Neil tries to observe and learn from everything around him, including his grandfather, his other male relatives, men passing by on the street, men in books and on TV. From this, Neil makes a comprehensive list of what men are supposed to do and not do. He implements this on the very next day in school. But despite his ‘macho’ endeavours, he doesn’t feel well. He goes to the school nurse, and there, to his horror, he bursts out crying. But men don’t cry, right? Has Neil already failed at being a man?
This book was originally published in Spanish under the title “Els homes plorem” in 2021. This English translation will be published in April 2026.
I grabbed this book as soon as I saw the title. Who can resist a book that finally teaches little boys what it truly means to be a man! After all, it's not like popular culture is replete with good male icons, and many parents too are still living with outdated ideas of masculinity. Plus, it's always easier to mould someone's thinking when young than to rectify it once they grow older. Such a book would be so important then! Much to my disappointment, the book doesn't exactly reach the potential promised.
The dedication has its heart in the right place: “to the men who embrace their own vulnerability.”
Neil is an interesting character, but a lot about his situation isn’t explained. We don’t know why he doesn’t have a father around (which is fine; many boys don’t), nor can we understand why he is suddenly worried about being a man. Regardless, I like his sincere attempt at finding out the answer to his query, even though he doesn’t end up learning the right things. What’s wrong in the book isn't a Neil issue but a plotting issue.
For one, having a male nurse in Neil’s school was an outstanding plotting decision. I haven’t read a single picture book where the school nurse is a man. There was so much opportunity here to talk about gender expectations and perceptions. Sadly, the nurse’s role, once he is done with Neil’s medical examination, is restricted to two tiny sentences, both connected to crying.
Further, a major chunk of the book is devoted to Neil’s exploration of the meaning of manhood. But his genuine conversation with the nurse is limited to four pages. This sounds like a lot, but remember it is a picture book, so four pages is just about 5-6 sentences. The switch in Neil’s behaviour is instantaneous, which is good. But the result of the switch is barely worth appreciating. He doesn’t apologise to those he hurt with his “machoisms” earlier that day. He only greets one friend and they instantly forget everything and move on (probably true to life as kids often behave this way). But worst, the readers doesn’t learn anything about Neil’s realisation of what it takes to be a man, except that crying doesn’t make him less of a man. We just get a vague acknowledgement that he knows now what kind of person (Note: “person”, not “man”. Biggest indication of the missed opportunity!) he wants to be and that he decides to “figure out the rest once he got older.” All this within just one page! 😐
The initial content was actually excellent. However, the meagre interaction with the nurse and the single-page turnaround dipped the overall impact of the book. Reducing some of the initial *research* done by Neil (either by eliminating some repetitive ideas or by shifting some text to the full-page graphics), would have provided a few more pages at the end to add necessary details to Neil’s learning. It could have been an apology for his behaviour, it could have been an acknowledgment that not all movies and books have role models worth emulating, it could even have been an extended scene with the nurse exploring why the little student thought men don’t cry.
Basically, all the discussion-worthy points about the lesson are missing from the text, so it is entirely up to the adult reading the book with the child to fill in all the gaps.
That said, I do love how the book demonstrates popular, social, and cultural perceptions of what it means to be a man. All the examples that Neil finds in books, movies, and video games are a sad reflection of how aggressive the portrayal of masculinity is in modern works. We aren’t doing right by boys (and men) at all if all we teach them is this stereotypical macho nonsense. (To be clear, some genres such as romances, UpLit, and historical fiction do have amazing male role models. But many men are reluctant to read these as they are seen as women’s genres.)
A picture book needs ample support from its illustrations, and in that regard, the artwork in this book performs quite well. Of course, it cannot resolve the above shortcomings because it is limited to supporting the text. But on its own, it is *mostly* outstanding. The graphics are coloured in a mixed water colour plus colour pencil style, lending a vividness to the pages. Neil’s expressions along with his gap-toothed smile are fun to watch. We can't miss his pet cat, who is clearly a vital part of his life. However, one of the pages shows Neil studying his chart of masculine attributes and this has some difficult words (belligerent, smug, reckless, vulnerability) that younger kids won't be familiar with and are slightly tough to explain as well. The only page where the graphics generated mixed emotions in me was the one supporting the line: “Neil paid attention to the men in his family”. This shows Neil’s relatives at a funeral, where all the women are crying but the men aren’t. While I get that this pivotal scene leads Neil to assume that men don’t cry, it also plays into stereotypes by showing all the women sobbing hard while the men don’t even look sad. Further, it even shows an old lady in the open casket. How the heck do you explain dead bodies in coffins to a three-year-old reader? A closed casket might have been better.
Overall, I adore the intent of this book but the execution needed more finesse. It’s sad that the build-up got a lot more page space than the resolution. Then again, it at least raises the topic of the meaning of manliness. With the right discussion, it could still work well.
Recommended to be read strictly with adult guidance and with loads of discussion. The official target age is 3-7 years.
3 stars.
My thanks to Charlesbridge for providing the DRC of “Men Cry” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
A picture book that handles a similar concept but in a much better way is 'Rhinos Don't Cry' by Mark Grist. It is not gender-focussed so it can work for all kids.Do check that one out as well!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Neil tahu kalau dia bakal jadi pria dewasa. Jadi dia mulai cari tahu dari berbagai sumber soal gimana jadi "man" itu. Di hari dia berusaha jadi cowok yang dewasa dia merasa galat dan mau nangis. Tapi Niel tuh galau. Soalnya semua referensi yang dia dapatkan, cowok tuh kuat, tangguh, ga nangis. Itu malah bikin Niel mau nangis wkwk. Sampai Neil ketemu sama perawat di sekolahnya yang menenangkan Neil
Gapapa kok cowok nangis.
Gapapa kok cowok nangis.
November 17, 2023
Dans ce livre, on suit Léo, un petit garçon, qui se questionne sur comment devenir un homme. En observant les modèles masculins qui remplissent son quotidien, il se rend vite compte que de se comporter comme un homme, c’est compliqué. C’est que Léo aime le rose, il est gentil et il n’aime pas se battre..
Un album jeunesse parfait pour aborder les stéréotypes.
Une superbe histoire qui rappelle l’importance de rester fidèle à soi-même, de suivre don coeur et de vivre pleinement ses émotions.
Ma fille et moi avons beaucoup aimé.
C’est à glisser dans la bibliothèque des enfants. ✨
Un album jeunesse parfait pour aborder les stéréotypes.
Une superbe histoire qui rappelle l’importance de rester fidèle à soi-même, de suivre don coeur et de vivre pleinement ses émotions.
Ma fille et moi avons beaucoup aimé.
C’est à glisser dans la bibliothèque des enfants. ✨
June 14, 2023
Um bom livro ppara pôr miúdos e graúdos a reflectir sobre os papéis que atribuímos aos géneros no passado e o que significa isso num mundo em que de facto esses papéis se vão alterando.
April 11, 2025
Crec que una o dos pàgines més de conte no haguera anat malament; cal desenvolupar millor el desenllaç. Així i tot, un conte necessari que reflexa molt bé les noves masculinitats.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of Men Cry in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley, Turu and Charlesbridge.
This heartfelt picture book tackles a big question: what does it really mean to “be a man”? Told through young Neil’s eyes, we see how overwhelming and confusing mixed messages from family, the media, and the wider community can be.
The majority of the book focuses on the negative stereotypes Neil perceives, and as a result, he interprets manliness as engaging in risk-taking behaviours and displaying a lack of empathy.
The ending of the book, where Neil encounters a new positive role model, is disappointingly brief. The school nurse’s advice offers a reassuring counterpoint to the idea that men don’t cry. In my opinion, it’s a shame that the other behaviours — such as teasing his friend — aren’t addressed at all.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its gentle but powerful message: it’s okay for boys to cry and to be themselves. I felt there could have been more time spent dispelling harmful imagery, rather than leaving Neil to “figure out the rest when he got older.”
Nevertheless, I can see this book sparking lots of positive dialogue, and it is definitely something I’d recommend for libraries and children’s bookshelves.
This heartfelt picture book tackles a big question: what does it really mean to “be a man”? Told through young Neil’s eyes, we see how overwhelming and confusing mixed messages from family, the media, and the wider community can be.
The majority of the book focuses on the negative stereotypes Neil perceives, and as a result, he interprets manliness as engaging in risk-taking behaviours and displaying a lack of empathy.
The ending of the book, where Neil encounters a new positive role model, is disappointingly brief. The school nurse’s advice offers a reassuring counterpoint to the idea that men don’t cry. In my opinion, it’s a shame that the other behaviours — such as teasing his friend — aren’t addressed at all.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its gentle but powerful message: it’s okay for boys to cry and to be themselves. I felt there could have been more time spent dispelling harmful imagery, rather than leaving Neil to “figure out the rest when he got older.”
Nevertheless, I can see this book sparking lots of positive dialogue, and it is definitely something I’d recommend for libraries and children’s bookshelves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Men Cry by Joan Turu is a gentle and meaningful children’s book that delivers an important message in an accessible, age-appropriate way. I read this to my little one, and she listened intently, fully engaged with the story, which speaks to how effectively the book connects with young readers. At its heart, the story challenges the harmful idea that crying makes someone weak—especially for boys—and instead affirms that emotions are natural and valid. It reinforces that being a man does not require a tough façade or a sense of superiority over others, but rather emotional honesty and empathy.
While the message is strong, the story could have benefited from a few additional pages, particularly showing Neil apologizing to the children he bullied. That moment of accountability would have added depth and reinforced the lesson even further. The illustrations are cute and inviting, complementing the story well and making it enjoyable for children. Overall, this is a thoughtful and necessary read for little ones, and a valuable tool for nurturing emotional health and self-awareness from an early age.
Advanced copy kindly provided by Charlesbridge. All opinions are my own.
While the message is strong, the story could have benefited from a few additional pages, particularly showing Neil apologizing to the children he bullied. That moment of accountability would have added depth and reinforced the lesson even further. The illustrations are cute and inviting, complementing the story well and making it enjoyable for children. Overall, this is a thoughtful and necessary read for little ones, and a valuable tool for nurturing emotional health and self-awareness from an early age.
Advanced copy kindly provided by Charlesbridge. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2025
Men Don’t Cry is a heartfelt and touching story which was so endearing, I had to read it multiple times. It’s a beautiful commentary on the influences boys face as they become men.
The main character, Neil, is a sweet, young boy who is trying to figure out what it means to be a man. What he finds doesn’t sit right with him until a new role model helps him find his way.
The writing style and true-to-life characters, makes it an easy and accessible read but with big concepts. The emotional impact it has on readers is long-lasting.
I LOVED this book and think it is an important addition to any book collection. I would definitely include this in any classroom ranging from kindergarten to high school. The ideas are explored in such a gentle but thoughtful way, that different ages and audiences will get different concepts, of ranging complexities, out of it. The story even made me reflect on what society shows men how to be and the importance of appropriate guidance for young boys. This is one to look out for in the bookshops!
Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge Publishing for giving me the privilege of reading an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
The main character, Neil, is a sweet, young boy who is trying to figure out what it means to be a man. What he finds doesn’t sit right with him until a new role model helps him find his way.
The writing style and true-to-life characters, makes it an easy and accessible read but with big concepts. The emotional impact it has on readers is long-lasting.
I LOVED this book and think it is an important addition to any book collection. I would definitely include this in any classroom ranging from kindergarten to high school. The ideas are explored in such a gentle but thoughtful way, that different ages and audiences will get different concepts, of ranging complexities, out of it. The story even made me reflect on what society shows men how to be and the importance of appropriate guidance for young boys. This is one to look out for in the bookshops!
Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge Publishing for giving me the privilege of reading an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Can I give you some advice? Cry as much as you need. I cry, too, and that doesn't make me any less of a man."
I was intrigued by the title and the cover, and wow, I was truly impressed after reading it.
The book tells the story of a happy boy named Neil who is curious about what it means to become a man.
He looks up to others and tries to imitate what the men around him do. This feels very true to real life, showing how children learn from society and the people closest to them. It gently reminds us that, as parents and/or educators, we play an important role in creating a safe and supportive environment for children to grow.
I’d recommend this book for children aged 4 and above. It’s also a wonderful read for parents or teachers who want to open conversations about feelings, communication, and how to ask for help when it’s needed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a parent raising a boy, this book felt incredibly important and close to my heart. Men Cry delivers such a powerful message—there is no single “right” way to be a man, and boys deserve the space to feel, express, and be fully themselves.
I really appreciated how the story gently challenges the societal expectations that often push boys and men into silence or unhealthy paths. It opens the door for meaningful conversations about emotions, vulnerability, and identity in a way that feels both accessible and necessary.
This is exactly the kind of book I want in my home and in my child’s life. Stories like this help raise kind, emotionally aware, and confident boys who understand that strength also means being honest about how you feel.
I loved it so much that I immediately pre-ordered a copy—I can’t wait to have it in our collection.
I really appreciated how the story gently challenges the societal expectations that often push boys and men into silence or unhealthy paths. It opens the door for meaningful conversations about emotions, vulnerability, and identity in a way that feels both accessible and necessary.
This is exactly the kind of book I want in my home and in my child’s life. Stories like this help raise kind, emotionally aware, and confident boys who understand that strength also means being honest about how you feel.
I loved it so much that I immediately pre-ordered a copy—I can’t wait to have it in our collection.
October 4, 2023
Après "Étiquettes", l'auteur nous revient avec un autre trésor qui brise les stéréotypes et glorifie l'amour de soi.
Dans ce nouvel opus, un jeune garçon s'interroge sur ce que signifie "devenir un homme". Suivant la pression des modèles qui l'entoure, il fera des choix douteux avec lesquels il ne sera pas du tout à l'aise, puis se libérera de ces airs dictés par la publicité, le cinéma, les autres hommes de sa famille et brillera de nouveau dans sa propre personnalité, dans ses propres valeurs. Les illustrations sont encore une fois superbes, habiles et elles transpercent les pages pour nous jeter l'essentiel aux yeux, soit l'importance de rester soi-même et d'ignorer les pressions extérieures.
Bravo!
Dans ce nouvel opus, un jeune garçon s'interroge sur ce que signifie "devenir un homme". Suivant la pression des modèles qui l'entoure, il fera des choix douteux avec lesquels il ne sera pas du tout à l'aise, puis se libérera de ces airs dictés par la publicité, le cinéma, les autres hommes de sa famille et brillera de nouveau dans sa propre personnalité, dans ses propres valeurs. Les illustrations sont encore une fois superbes, habiles et elles transpercent les pages pour nous jeter l'essentiel aux yeux, soit l'importance de rester soi-même et d'ignorer les pressions extérieures.
Bravo!
November 14, 2025
I think this is a really important topic. And I am raising a young boy that can cry and talk about his feelings. However the framing of how he understood what it means to be a man seemed really harsh. All those messages are true, but I wonder if the story could have framed it around an older friend giving him a message about what it means to be a man. I know that not all boys have men in their lives, but I think it would have been so sweet for him to have a conversation with his dad or a trusted male and they talked about what it means to be a man.
I will still read this to my son, and it is worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.
I will still read this to my son, and it is worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 345 of 350 ~ 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
With a title like this, how can I not want to read it.
Pfft and any guy who claims it isn't macho to shed a tear or two probably has #SDS
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book345of350 #amreading #netgalley tbrpile instareads readstagram reading bookreview bookreviewer booklover booksAreLife booksForTheWin booknerds thisbookfairyisreading bookstagram bookstagrammer bookstagramfeature bookshelf booksofinstagram bookish bookworm goodreads booklovers bookaddict theSGbookfairyReads theSGtrekkiereads bookaholic bookchallenge2025 reviews lovebooks
🌟🌟🌟🌟
With a title like this, how can I not want to read it.
Pfft and any guy who claims it isn't macho to shed a tear or two probably has #SDS
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book345of350 #amreading #netgalley tbrpile instareads readstagram reading bookreview bookreviewer booklover booksAreLife booksForTheWin booknerds thisbookfairyisreading bookstagram bookstagrammer bookstagramfeature bookshelf booksofinstagram bookish bookworm goodreads booklovers bookaddict theSGbookfairyReads theSGtrekkiereads bookaholic bookchallenge2025 reviews lovebooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book felt tender and necessary. Men Cry explores emotions and gender expectations in a way that is simple, kind, and deeply relatable. Neil’s confusion and self-doubt feel very real, and his journey toward self-acceptance is handled with so much care.
What I appreciated most is how gently the story opens space for conversations with children. It reassures readers that emotions are not something to hide, they are something to understand and embrace. A heartfelt picture book with a big message.
What I appreciated most is how gently the story opens space for conversations with children. It reassures readers that emotions are not something to hide, they are something to understand and embrace. A heartfelt picture book with a big message.
April 18, 2026
A nice book that shows how boys are conditioned to act in a specific way that is very one sided and gendered. The boy sees images and movies of "men" and thinks that is the only way to be a man. Showing mostly that we need to portray men in all kinds of ways with all kinds of emotions. I thought the end wrapped up abit too quickly with the kid being ok with everything fast, but it does mention he will keep figuring out who he is as he gets older, which I liked. Overall a good one to read to boys and girls to show there are many ways to be a "man."
November 12, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through NetGalley.
Turu offers a look at how much young boys struggle to figure out what it means to be a man. Neil feels nervous and anxious as he looks at models from his own family, his neighborhood, books and TV. When he tries to be more "manly," he ends up hurting friends and himself. The school nurse gives him excellent advice to cry when he needed to and be himself. A short book that offers a taste of this topic for young readers.
Turu offers a look at how much young boys struggle to figure out what it means to be a man. Neil feels nervous and anxious as he looks at models from his own family, his neighborhood, books and TV. When he tries to be more "manly," he ends up hurting friends and himself. The school nurse gives him excellent advice to cry when he needed to and be himself. A short book that offers a taste of this topic for young readers.
March 10, 2024
Un petit livre important pour les parents d’un petit garçon. Léo comprend que les modèles d’homme ne sont pas toujours la réalité et qu’un homme peut être sensible et doux, respectueux des filles. C’est un bel ouvrage, un peu court, qui présente un sujet important.
November 7, 2025
I liked this book and it's definitely needed, but I wanted a little bit more from it. The gender roles children see and experience in the world today are confusing and what you see in the media is not necessarily the way you want to raise a child. I did want a few more pages, maybe just an apology for his behavior.
September 5, 2025
Veramente veramente bello!
November 4, 2025
MEN CRY by Joan Turu is a wonderful read. Understated but impactful illustrations that really illustrate (see what I did there? haha) the journey our protagonist Neil goes through. I liked the message, which I think will spark a lot of important conversations between grown-ups and kids about gender roles, patriarchy, the impact of toxic masculinity, and how media portrayals play such a big role in that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is amazing.
I love the illustrations, and the meaning behind the book is also great.
Neil is a boy who wants to know a lot about becoming a man.
Neil is a great boy.
I love the illustrations, and the meaning behind the book is also great.
Neil is a boy who wants to know a lot about becoming a man.
Neil is a great boy.
December 21, 2023
Léo observe autour de lui et fait des (mauvaises) déductions sur ce qu'est être un homme.
October 29, 2025
Men Cry
Joan Turu
A short story of children and how they perceive the world. Many feel they do not know how to be an adult. The story shows our perceptions can change if given a chance. This is a book is about the roles and perception of the world. Its a good resource for children to understand that feelings are to be expressed, and we can create our own personality.
Joan Turu
A short story of children and how they perceive the world. Many feel they do not know how to be an adult. The story shows our perceptions can change if given a chance. This is a book is about the roles and perception of the world. Its a good resource for children to understand that feelings are to be expressed, and we can create our own personality.
October 29, 2025
I think the illustrations fit the tone of the story. I loved the cover. I don't think I've ever seen a male school nurse in a book before. That was good. Overall, the message was important, but it kind of ended abruptly.
January 9, 2025
Ο Νιλ νιώθει ότι μεγαλώνει και αυτό τον ανησυχεί γιατί όταν τα αγόρια μεγαλώνουν γίνονται άντρες. Ναι αλλά κανείς δεν έμαθε στον Νιλ πώς να είναι άντρας. Πώς φέρονται οι άντρες της οικογένειάς του; Τι είναι σωστό και τι λάθος και ποιος το ορίζει; Στον δρόμο, στις ταινίες, στα βιβλία, πώς συμπεριφέρονται; Κι όταν αρχίζει να εφαρμόζει αυτά που βλέπει κάνει απανωτά λάθη και ταυτόχρονα δε νιώθει καθόλου καλά. Τελικά μήπως πρέπει να αναγνωρίζουμε και να σεβόμαστε τις δικές μας επιθυμίες και να αγνοούμε τα στερεότυπα; Ο συγγραφέας τονίζει με τρυφερό τρόπο πως δεν υπάρχει πιο όμορφο πράγμα από το να είσαι ο εαυτός σου, να μην επηρεάζεσαι, να μην αντιγράφεις, να μη μιμείσαι και φυσικά να κλαις. Μια συγκινητική ιστορία που έχει εφαρμογή και σε άλλες περιπτώσεις στη ζωή μας, όπου νιώθουμε πως πρέπει να ακολουθήσουμε το ρεύμα και να ενταχθούμε σε στερεότυπα αλλά το αποτέλεσμα είναι να έχουμε μια δυστυχισμένη και κουτσουρεμένη προσωπικότητα. Η εικονογράφηση του ίδιου του συγγραφέα απεικονίζει σιλουέτες και ανθρώπινες μορφές με μια πρωτότυπη τεχνική ενώ το φόντο στις εικόνες είναι καλοδουλεμένο και προσεγμένο με απρόσμενες λεπτομέρειες, όπως το γκράφιτι στους τοίχους «Πρόσφυγες, καλώς ήλθατε»! Τα πρότυπα που παρατηρεί ο Νιλ είναι μονοδιάστατα, προχειροφτιαγμένα και μονόχρωμα, κάτι που έρχεται σε αντίθεση με τη δική του γεμάτη χρώματα και αγάπη ζωή, κι αυτό δείχνει με τη δύναμη της εικόνας τα νοήματα του κειμένου με πιο απτό τρόπο. Τελικά οι άντρες κλαίνε;
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%ac...
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%ac...
July 28, 2024
Nil s'està fent major. Sap que a una certa edat els xiquets
es convertixen en homes, però com es comporta un home? Per a descobrir-ho, observa al seu al voltant i crea una personalitat basada en els homes que li envolten. Hi ha només una manera de ser home? Este conte derroca els estereotips tradicionals i ens regala una meravellosa reflexió sobre les noves masculinitats.
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Nil se está haciendo mayor. Sabe que a cierta edad los niños se convierten en hombres, pero ¿cómo se comporta un hombre?
Para descubrirlo, observa a su alrededor y crea una personalidad basada en los hombres que le rodean. ¿Hay sólo una forma de ser hombre?
Este cuento derriba los estereotipos tradicionales y nos regala una maravillosa reflexión sobre las nuevas masculinidades.
es convertixen en homes, però com es comporta un home? Per a descobrir-ho, observa al seu al voltant i crea una personalitat basada en els homes que li envolten. Hi ha només una manera de ser home? Este conte derroca els estereotips tradicionals i ens regala una meravellosa reflexió sobre les noves masculinitats.
~
Nil se está haciendo mayor. Sabe que a cierta edad los niños se convierten en hombres, pero ¿cómo se comporta un hombre?
Para descubrirlo, observa a su alrededor y crea una personalidad basada en los hombres que le rodean. ¿Hay sólo una forma de ser hombre?
Este cuento derriba los estereotipos tradicionales y nos regala una maravillosa reflexión sobre las nuevas masculinidades.
December 14, 2024
L'autore è Joan Turu. Fabbri Editori.
Si sa: tutti i bambini, quando crescono, diventano uomini. Ma cosa significa? E come ci si dovrebbe comportare? Se lo chiede anche Nino, che così decide di osservare bene i maschi adulti della sua famiglia, quelli in TV e persino nei fumetti. Ma sono davvero la persona che vuole diventare? Nino non ne è tanto sicuro..
Una storia delicata contro gli stereotipi di genere.
Dai 4 anni in su.
Si sa: tutti i bambini, quando crescono, diventano uomini. Ma cosa significa? E come ci si dovrebbe comportare? Se lo chiede anche Nino, che così decide di osservare bene i maschi adulti della sua famiglia, quelli in TV e persino nei fumetti. Ma sono davvero la persona che vuole diventare? Nino non ne è tanto sicuro..
Una storia delicata contro gli stereotipi di genere.
Dai 4 anni in su.
May 21, 2023
Ευκαιρία η νέα γενιά να ανατρέψει τα στερεότυπα …
March 20, 2025
Numa sociedade tão atolada de cultura visual, não há nada melhor do que ser-se simplesmente quem se é, sem padrões, pressões ou rótulos predefinidos. Uma excelente história para miúdos e graúdos.
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