TEO'S TUTU

This story of a boy's first ballet recital celebrates gender-creativity, the joy of dance, and being yourself

Téo loves to dance, whether it's the cumbia with papi, the bhangra with amma, or ballet class with Miss Lila. He also loves the way his tutu makes him feel, inside and out. But when it comes time to decide which outfit to wear in the big dance recital--a sparkly tutu or shimmering silver pants--Téo wonders if being his most authentic self on stage will put him too much in the spotlight.

Key selling points
- Pure joy: This lyrical text is a delight to read and perfectly captures the sublimity of dance as well as the sense of rightness a child can experience when permitted to express themself in the manner of their choosing.
- Allies abound: Téo's parents are endlessly accepting, and his dance teacher, Miss Lila, wonderfully models how to foster an inclusive community both for her students and for readers!
- Poignancy without pain: Uniquely, the tension in this story doesn't come from a moment of overt rejection or trauma, but rather from Téo's own anxieties about his authentic self being accepted.

Maryann Jacob Macias is a picture book author and the Director of Grants Monitoring at the Atlantic Philanthropies. Previously, she was a program officer with the National Book Foundation and served as the primary liaison for the National Book Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner. Maryann received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Pine Manor College. She lives with her family in Queens, the world's borough.

Alea Marley is a picture book illustrator. Born in the UK with Barbadian roots, she is currently based in North England.