Book Title: Neither
Author: Airlie Anderson
Published: 2018
Number of Pages: 34
Recommended Age Group: Pre-School, Elementary
Synopsis
One of the most popular picture books of 2018, Neither is a touching story that promotes inclusion and the celebration of differences. The book begins by introducing us to the character “Neither”, who very clearly looks different than everyone else. While half the world is made up of birds and the other half rabbits, “Neither” is a creative mixture of both. But instead of being embraced, Neither is cast away from the “Land of This and That” for not looking like the others.
Neither ultimately makes its way to the “Land of All” which is made of different creatures of many colors, sizes and shapes. It is there that Neither finds inclusion and is celebrated for its uniqueness. What once made Neither feel like an outcast were now the same qualities that helped it fit in.
What makes Neither a great book?
Subject/Theme
Like many great children’s books, author Airlie Anderson does an excellent job of promoting several important themes within a story that is easy to understand and enjoy. The most obvious of these is centered around appreciating the differences of others and embracing unique qualities.
Although she doesn’t overtly define the character’s gender within the book, the association with gender fluidity is an easy one to make. As such, the story has received a lot of acclaim from the LGBTQ community. Anderson, in several interviews following the book’s release, even cites one of her trans-gender students as inspiration behind the story.
In an interview with LGBTQreads.com, Airlie shared:
I had been teaching art classes to an inspiring group of middle schoolers. One of them had been identifying as female, and over the course of the next year, transitioned to identifying as male. The idea of questioning something as ingrained in our society as gender made me think of my characters and story in a new light. My student’s fluidity opened my mind to many different modes of representation and expression.
Beyond gender, the broader lesson of embracing differences can be applied in many other respects as well. The importance of promoting an inclusive mindset is certainly one that all parents try to establish at an early age. As such, Neither is a great selection for preschoolers and elementary age children.
Lastly, the book’s conclusion also carries an important message within it. Near the story’s end, we see Neither forgiving the rabbits and birds who had pushed it away earlier. This message of forgiveness provides an excellent conclusion to an all-around powerful story.
Illustrations
If the meaningful themes throughout the book weren’t enough of a reason to give this one a read, the illustrations surely are. Airlie Anderson’s background in art and illustration is easily seen through the creativity within her characters. Each page is full of color and perfectly align with the flow of the story.
Once you’re finished with the book, make sure to check out the final page to witness the height of Anderson’s creativity. On it, you’ll find dozens of unique characters that inhabit the “Land of All.” This particular page is my daughter’s favorite, as she loves to comment on many of the drawings each time we sit down with the book.
Final thoughts
Airline Anderson’s Neither is absolutely one of our favorite children’s books. The uplifting message and fun illustrations keep this one permanently in our bedtime story rotation. It’s appealing to a wide age group, and is a great option for reading at home or in the classroom.
If you like Neither, we also recommend checking out Airlie Anderson‘s first published children’s book, Cat’s Colors as well!