Neither - by Airlie Anderson (Board Book)

About the Book

Because Neither is unlike both the rabbits and birds of the Land of This and That, it sets out to find a new place where all kinds of creatures are welcome.

Book Synopsis

In this colorful and touching board book that celebrates what makes each of us unique, a little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny--it's "neither"--searches for a place to fit in.

In the Land of This and That, there are only two kinds: blue bunnies and yellow birds. But one day a funny green egg hatches, and a little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny pops out. It's neither!

Neither tries hard to fit in, but its bird legs aren't good for jumping like the other bunnies, and its fluffy tail isn't good for flapping like the other birds. It sets out to find a new home and discovers a very different place, one with endless colors and shapes and creatures of all kinds. But when a blue bunny and a yellow bird with some hidden differences of their own arrive, it's up to Neither to decide if they are welcome in the Land of All.

This thoughtful story promotes diversity and offers a valuable lesson to the youngest of audiences: it is our differences that unite us.

Review Quotes

"A positive celebration of diversity and how our world is a better place when everyone is included."--The Reading Eagle

"Anderson (Cat's Colors) tackles exclusion, difference, and identity in a sweet-tempered fable.... Anderson's candy-colored palette and adorable cast of creatures reflect a spectrum of states of being, creating a book that works as a resource for conversations about race, blended identities, gender norms, and more."
--Publishers Weekly

"Features key parts of the transgender experience and is perfect for kids in kindergarten through second grade."
--Out.com

"Hits all right notes and is filled with fun, fantastical creatures to boot."--School Library Journal

"This stands out for its accessibility to even very young read-aloud audiences. A sweet story of acceptance for all those who are this, that, neither, either, and everything in between."
--Kirkus

A 2019 Rainbow Book List Selection

About the Author

Airlie Anderson is the author and illustrator of Neither, Cat's Colors, Momo and Snap Are Not Friends, and numerous other books for children. She is also the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, the Independent Publishers Book Award, and the Practical Preschool Award. She grew up in California, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, and now lives in New Jersey. She invites you to visit her online at airlieanderson.com.