O.K. IS GAY

A young boy celebrates his identity.

Olivio Kipling, alias O.K., is on a mission: to tell his friends about his new love, George. Approaching each friend, Olivio starts by coming out. Before he can get further than “I am gay and…,” his friend supplies a different fact about him. He built a treetop fort with an elevator, he likes to sit in the front seat of roller coasters, he has a pet tarantula named Hairy, and so on. They’re frustrating interactions for O.K., because while it’s obvious that his friends love him, “no one knows the best part” about his life. With each conversation, though, O.K. collects a colorful accessory, until he has a rainbow of botanicals and other accoutrements. Suddenly he runs into George, carrying the same items, indicating that their social circle knew more than they were letting on. The story is delightful in its simplicity, with a message of love and affection that avoids treacly cliches. The real star of the show is the art. Kirsch’s pages have a timeless quality that readers of all ages will enjoy. His large-headed, skinny-limbed characters have an exaggerated look, while deeply saturated backgrounds grab readers’ attention. Youngsters will eagerly pore over the many details during a lap-sit read, while a healthy balance of vibrant colors and white space combine to make this an excellent choice for a large storytime.

So much more than O.K.—a spectacularly affirming story.