Don’t Fall for The Trick: A guide to Smashing Gender Stereotypes

Don’t Fall for The Trick: A Guide to Smashing Gender  Stereotypes (Affirm Press) Jennifer Bain & Scott Stuart PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781923022942

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Jennifer Bain’s debut picture book, The New Kid, was published in 2023. She aims to create positive stories that assist children in navigating life with confidence.

Scott Stuart is known for empowering young readers through his bestselling books, which have been translated into multiple languages and adapted for stage and screen. He promotes self-acceptance and challenges gender stereotypes. Stuart founded The Scott Stuart Literary Prize to support Australian authors who tackle gender norms and expand children’s understanding of identity. He is the creator of the groundbreaking picture book My Shadow is Pink.

Every day, we come across many tricks that keep the world from being a truly equal place. This book helps kids and their grown-ups to learn the tricks that are holding us all back so that together we can smash gender stereotypes and create positive change.

Jennifer Bain’s opening page is both powerful and highly engaging. Have you ever heard something that doesn’t sound true? Something you know is false, but no one else seems to realise it?" It feels like a trick, doesn’t it? Bain is clever and to the point with her statements, setting the tone perfectly and getting readers to reflect. She explains A long time ago, people believed that men were stronger and smarter than women, and that certain things were only for boys while others were just for girls. Some vocabulary is empowering, using terms like "patriarchy," which enriches the reader’s understanding. Calling it a trick helps children recognise and reject these false ideas. Bain provides examples of tricks and shows ways to respond, like when a character says, “That’s a trick! Anyone can play anything!” I love the message that kids can make the world a better place by spotting "The Trick" and explaining it to others. A note for families and teachers is included at the end.

Scott Stuart’s distinctive style is immediately recognisable on the book's cover, with its bright yellow background, bold, eye-catching title, and unique, cartoon-like characters with big eyes holding signs with empowering messages. The green and yellow endpapers lead to a white title page that emphasises both the title and its underlying message. The characters are appealing, strong, and thoughtful, with the main girl character featuring expressive glasses and a smart, confident expression. The characters are diverse and multi-faceted, not only supporting the text but also enhancing the overall impact of the story. A few double-page spreads, followed by single-page spreads and vignettes, work exceptionally well with this story.

Don’t Fall for the Trick is an empowering picture book that challenges societal assumptions and encourages a shift in thinking. It reminds us that the world is for everyone to feel comfortable in and actively participate. This book is a winning pairing of Bain and Stuart who both have a common goal of making the world a better place. Don't Fall for The Trick is suitable for children aged 4 to 8 and is sure to appeal to children, parents, teachers and librarians. Its empowering message has the potential for the same strong global appeal as Scott Stuart's hugely successful picture book My Shadow is Pink.