What a heartwarming little book this is! We see quite a few books for girls and women empowerment. But we also need books for boys. Little ones need to know they don’t have to adhere to the rigid stereotypes of who they should be. This book opens up the endless possibilities of what little boys are made of and who they can be. I love the part about boys expressing their emotions and crying when they feel like it. Another favorite is where the boys know it’s okay to get things wrong and practice harder to learn and become better. 

Isn’t that what we should be telling the kids? They don’t have to be invincible or correct all the time! They just have to be open to learning when they are not right. The affirmations at the end of the book can help the little ones become confident, compassionate, and kind. 

The illustrations are a treat, and I mean it. Kiddo books, for me, are more about illustrations. The pictures on the pages can directly sit in the child’s mind. Kids notice details without seeming to and can recollect them at random. The kiddo could decorate a cupcake better than I did. ;)  

The color scheme on each page is perfect. The illustrations are inclusive and diverse. I wish there was a little more inclusivity, but this is good too. 

The font is big and easy to read. I love picture books with large fonts, so that’s another plus. The language is simple enough for little ones to understand. Don’t look for the rhythm (that can affect your reading experience). Go with the flow and enjoy when you see rhyming verses. Read the book with your little boys and talk to them about things that matter. 

To summarize, What Little Boys Are Made Of is a beautiful and adorable book that breaks stereotypes and gently nudges kids to be confident in their skin. They deserve to be happy and loved. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, and Sourcebooks Wonderland. I am voluntarily leaving a review.