PATRICK'S POLKA-DOT TIGHTS

A child plays with his favorite piece of clothing.

Patrick, a White boy with curly orange hair, includes a pair of purple polka-dot tights in most of his games. They’re endlessly versatile—useful as a dog’s leash or a prop in dramatic play or for dress-up—and also add a layer of warmth. They actually belong to Patrick’s older sister, Penelope, who gets possessive only on piano-recital nights. After one recital, Patrick is upset when an ice-cream incident stains them, but the happy resolution comes when his father (finally) decides to buy Patrick his own box of multicolored tights. This book succeeds in showing a White family accepting a child who freely explores clothes and games despite gender stereotypes, without bullying or conflict. The pacing and plot, however, including a three-page scene at a superstore to pick up some light bulbs and toilet paper, keep this from being a particularly engaging or entertaining story. The illustrations are similarly functional and bright, depicting the action described on each page without elevating or illuminating the story. This book works as positive representation of a gender-nonconforming boy without violence and is also a realistic look at a sibling relationship.

A useful story with an unusually light touch on the topics explored.