You Can Plant This Children's Book And It Will Grow Into A Tree

Sleeping Bobby by Mary Pope Osborne is a hilarious retelling of Sleeping Beauty. This is a fabulous book, by a well-known author, perfect for any 4-6 year old. In Osborne's version, it is the princess that saves the sleeping prince from the clutches of a wicked spell.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch is a trailblazer in gender-bending story books. This wonderfully illustrated picture book uses humour to retell the classic 'prince and princess' story. Boys and girls will get a chance to meet a princess who decides that when faced with a dragon problem, she isn't going to wait around for a prince to save her. In the end Princess Elizabeth decides that she doesn't want very much to do with a prince who thinks that girls should never get dirty. This quick thinking princess is by far a favourite among 5-8 year olds.

This series, written by James Howe and Melissa Sweet, is very gentle in disrupting gender stereotypes. For the 6-9 year old crowd, this is a great early reader series that celebrates the co-ed friendship of two characters who feel very real, making it easy for kids to connect with the gender-neutral subtext.

10,000 Dresses written by Marcus Ewert, has won international attention for addressing an issue that, although very real for many families, is lacking representation in mainstream literature. Bailey loves to wear dresses, and even dreams about them. The book deals with how Bailey is forever being told that "boys just don't wear dresses." Through a friendship with an older girl, Bailey's dreams about dresses are able to come true.

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole is a definite crowd pleaser with both girls and boys age 4-7. The main character is incredibly well-developed, and the plot flips the script on traditional gender roles for girls. Princess Smartypants doesn't want to marry any of the candidates her parents keep pushing on her; this princess does not want to get married. In the end, Princess Smartypants gets exactly what she wants.

Derek the Knitting Dinosaur written by Mary Blackwood, is a sweet tale about a little dinosaur who eschews the aggressive roaring and gruff play of his dinosaur brothers, preferring to sit quietly with his knitting. This is a great book for young boys and girls who are reflective and find happiness in untraditional play.

Get it here: Derek the Knitting Dinosaur

King and King by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland is a Dutch book, translated into English and published by Ten Speed Press. Yet, another story taking place in a kingdom, but this time instead of a prince finding a princess, the main character finds another prince to live 'Happily Ever After' with. Beautifully illustrated, this book explores LGBT issues in a context that makes perfect sense to kids.

Ballerino Nate written by Kimberly Bradley is a choice perfect for preschoolers and kinders. Nate is desperate to dance, but his brother keeps telling him that 'boys don't dance.' In the end, Nate follows his heart and manages to prove his brother wrong. A lovely little tale that most kids will recognize, and connect with.

Max by Rachel Isadora is an award winning book that marries baseball and ballet in a way that shows the reader that just because you love baseball, it doesn't mean that you can't also be a fantastic dancer.

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis explores the world of Dyson, a little boy who loves pink, climbing trees, and wearing a tiara with his jeans. This book is brilliant in displaying the rainbow of experiences children should be encouraged to explore without artificial barriers of gender expectation. This book is particularly worth investigating as the main character isn't the usually represented, white, blonde-haired child.

A Fire Engine for Ruthie by Leslea Newman, is a great choice for the youngest reader. Ruthie is a little girl who loves toys that don't exactly fit other people's ideas about what girls should be playing with. A great read that helps kids get the idea that toys are just toys, meant to be enjoyed by anyone: boy or girl!

Princess Pigsty by Corneila Fluke is a laugh out loud book about a girl that is sick and tired of being a princess. Princess Pigsty is content to be outside, playing, mucking about and living with the pigs in their very muddy pigsty!

Girls Are Not Chicks is a fabulous colouring book that playfully explores many female stereotypes in age appropriate ways. A perfectly fun gift for any girl (or boy).

Gender Now Colouring Book is another fun and interactive way for kids and their families to talk about, explore and play with gender stereotypes.