This article originally appeared in the November-December 1997 Children's Advocate newsmagazine, published by Action Alliance for Children.

Shattering Stereotypes: Courageous Girls, Ballet-Loving Boys

By Joy Shioshita

Working toward expanding possibilities for girls and boys, we've collected books that move beyond stereotypes of how male and female characters "should" behave. You'll meet the princess who rescues the prince, a man who knits avidly, and more delightful characters. All the works featured below are picture books, except for one easy reader, The Stories Julian Tells.

The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. One day a dragon destroys Princess Elizabeth's castle and carries off her intended husband, Prince Ronald. Left without any clothes, Elizabeth wears a paper bag. She storms after the dragon, then tricks the proud beast into demonstrating his powers. The dragon breathes out all his fire and flies around the world twice. Then he collapses in exhaustion, giving Elizabeth a chance to release Ronald from the dragon's cave. The ungrateful prince criticizes Elizabeth for smelling like ashes and wearing "a dirty old paper bag." In this modern fairy tale, the princess skips into the sunset--by herself. (Annick Press, 1980)

The Stories Julian Tells, by Ann Cameron, illustrated by Ann Strugnell. "If you have a girl for a friend, people find out and tease you," says Julian. Nonetheless, he wishes that Gloria would become his best friend. She likes sharing Kool-Aid, which Julian prepares, and they build a kite together. Julian also admires Gloria's ability to turn cartwheels. When he tries to copy her, he falls onto the grass, expecting that she might laugh. Instead, she simply reassures him that "it takes practice." In another story, Julian, his father, and his younger brother plant a garden; they also cook a lemon pudding for Julian's mother. (Random House, 1981)

Max, written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora. Max, an avid baseball player, accompanies his sister to her ballet class near the park. Grudgingly, he goes inside the classroom because he has lots of time before his game. Max looks sour-faced and bored at first, but he gradually becomes interested in the stretches. When the teacher invites him to join the class, Max must remove his sneakers. Dressed in his baseball gear, he does the splits, performs the pas de chat, and has so much fun that he stays for the leaps. Late for his game, Max leaps all the way to park. He decides that ballet provides a great warm-up for baseball. (Macmillan Publishing Company, 1976)

Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch. Grace loves to act out exciting stories, pretending she's a pirate, a doctor, or Joan of Arc. When her teacher announces that the class will perform Peter Pan, Grace wants to play Peter. Two students try to discourage her, though. Raj says that Peter's "a boy's name," while Natalie insists, "He isn't black." Sad but determined, Grace doesn't give up. Ma and Nana reassure her, "You can be anything you want... if you put your mind to it." To help prove this, Nana takes Grace to a ballet performance at a large theater. The show stars a young woman whose grandmother Nana knew when she was growing up in Trinidad. Heartened, Grace auditions for Peter Pan and wins over any doubters. (Penguin Books, 1991)

Mr. Nick's Knitting, by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Dee Huxley. Mr. Nick loves to knit sweaters for his 22 nieces and nephews. His friend, Mrs. Jolley, knits toys animals. Every morning, they ride the train to work together, knitting, enjoying the view, and helping each other with knitting problems. When Mrs. Jolley becomes sick and stops riding the train, Mr. Nick misses her company. He uses his virtuoso knitting skills to cheer her up. (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988)

The Cook and the King, by María Cristina Brusca and Tona Wilson, illustrated by María Cristina Brusca. Florinda is not your stereotypical royal cook, meekly serving the king. Her influence extends far beyond the kitchen. Florinda brings wisdom and dignity to her work, describing her cooking as "serious business," and teaches important lessons to the king.

Florinda is famous throughout the kingdom because she cooks delicious empanadas, little meat pies. After smelling the pies, the tyrannical king demands, "You there! Come cook for me! Immediately!" Florinda refuses his offer until the king agrees to her terms. At the castle, she feels upset by the king's horrible temper tantrums and arbitrary decision-making.

Disgusted by the high-handed way the king resolves disputes, Florinda intervenes in several cases. Her down-to-earth wisdom and sense of justice eventually win over the king. He admits his mistakes, apologizes to Florinda, and appoints her the Official Judge of the Kingdom. (Henry Holt and Company, 1993)

Jam, by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Helen Craig. When Mrs. Castle, an atomic scientist, finds a new job, Mr. Castle stays home with the children. He works hard, cleaning, cooking, gardening, and taking care of baby Carlo. With a humorous touch, one illustration shows inexperienced Mr. Castle drying the dishes by pinning them to a clothesline. He becomes so efficient, though, that one day, he runs out of housework--until he discovers that the family's plum tree has begun dropping ripe fruit. The house becomes a virtual jam factory, as jam fills every jar and vase, seals the leaking roof, and generally overruns the Castle's house until they figure out a solution. (Little, Brown and Company, 1985)

Three Strong Women: A Tall Tale from Japan, by Claus Stamm, illustrated by Kazue Mimura. Forever-Mountain, a famous wrestler, tries to tickle a young woman as she walks past him. To his surprise, however, Maru-me catches his hand in a tight grip. Forever-Mountain can't pull his hand free until she lets go. Taking pity on him, Maru-me offers to help prepare the wrestler for his upcoming exhibition. Her matriarchal family assists with the training. In this household of strong women, Mother easily carries the family's pet cow, while Grandmother uproots and moves a "great oak tree." Under their tutelage, Forever-Mountain not only grows physically stronger, but also gives up his boastful habits. (Viking Press, 1990)

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