Christine BaldacchinoMorris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

My family heard this book read on Julie Andrews' children's book podcast, Julie's Library. I had heard of it before, but could never find the exact title. My stepson, who loves to dress up, loves Barbies, and basically loves many items marked as being for "girls" lost his mind over this book, and so we bought it. It tells the story of a boy, Morris, who gets bullied because he likes to put on a tangerine dress at playtime. The bullies, by the end, understand that the power of imagination in play is more important than the stupid, bullying assignation of gendered traits to specific objects. Since the book arrived yesterday, my stepson has asked to read it three times and his older sister, aged 10, has read it twice on her own! It's a gorgeously illustrated book with a powerful and important message for all children, and not just ones who do not identify strictly with the objects associated with their socially ascribed gender.

My 6 year old and 4 year old have really enjoyed this book. I purchased this book after my daughter told my son that he couldn't drink out of a pink cup because pink is a girl color. My hope was that the book would help them empathize with certain people that may be stereotyped and challenge those that judge/label negatively because of a certain stereotype or difference. When I first read them the book, they asked me to read it again immediately afterwards. This book worked wonders to get inside their head and ignite empathy and action. A week later, while talking in bed, my daughter told me that at school another girl was making fun of a boy because he had braids in his hair. She said that she confronted the girl and said "That wasn't nice what you said to him. Boys can wear braids. Girls can do anything boys can do and boys can do anything girls can do!" After she told me this story, she was beaming with pride. Wow. I gave her the biggest hug that night. Thank you Christine Baldacchino for writing such a great book!

You should not be mean to people, because you could change your mind. That is the theme of "Morris Micklewhite," a realistic fiction story by Christine Baldacchino.Morris Micklewhite wore a tangerine dress. One day he was going to school, and kids started being mean to him because he was wearing a dress. He would pretend he could not hear them but he did. Becky tried to pull off the dress from the back and the boys would not let him on their spaceship.The author wrote this book because she wants to make a point to not bully people. I like this book because it was a good lesson to teach and it talks about judging people. My favorite thing about the book is when Morris drew a picture from his mind.I recommend this book because the book is easy, and you cannot tell what is going to happen next.It is a really good book and you should read it.By: Alyssa

I need a 6th star to properly rate this book!!! I may not have noticed this book, except it ended up on a banned list at a nearby school district. So I had to see what all the fuss was. I can not imagine why any parent would feel threatened by this book which demonstrates self confidence, and self discovered inclusive solutions. If there's simply not enough to enjoy about this family friendly story with amazing illustrations...when you learn what Morris is reminded about by the color of the tangerine dress...well, even a snowman's heart would melt. I've known Morris by many other names through my years as a licensed child care provider and parent...I love him every time. LOVE this story Mis Christine Baldacchino, thank you!

This is one of the most wonderful children’s stories I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to share it with my young grandchildren. It’s not pretentious or demanding - it simply asks us to look honestly at the reality of gender diversity and the accompanying bullying and taunting experienced by many children. The hero, Morris, is kind and thoughtful, and he comes to know his place in the world. He invites all of us along with him on his gentle journey. Lots to think about, and a wonderful introduction to diversity and inclusivity for young children.

A wonderful story but I agree that it’s geared for slightly older kids. My almost four year old son loves to wear tutus and dresses, and as of now, he has no idea that this is something that he could be teased for. In this book Morris gets picked on for wearing a dress— I don’t want my son to now worry that this might happen to him.

Everyone should read this, the new generation needs to break gender stereotypes that have no reason for existing other than leading to suffering for those who do not feel comfortable in them. And spare me the Bible verses please, the Bible was written by people ... people with different motives, people who make mistakes ... and very outdated in a lot of things.

Great, age-appropriate book that teaches how a young person can handle and persevere through others’ ignorance and budding bigotry, without focusing on defining Morris’ identity. Wonderful for kids all kids to learn how others may few when they are teased, and very supportive for kids who simply enjoy non-bianry dress up all the way to kids that truly identify and/or present as transgender, or gender non-conforming.

I love the idea of this book (that is why I bought it), but the text turned out to be pretty dull so me and my son never read it, despite the lovely pictures. It's a shame because it's a great idea and great illustrations.

This is a fantastic book! I watched a reading of this on YouTube and knew I had to have it in my personal library. My preschooler enjoys the story and it is a great book to use as a springboard for discussing gender, kindness, compassion, individuality, etc. We've read it several times so far and will be reading it again many times I'm sure.

Recomiendo este precioso libro con un claro mensaje de tolerancia, empatía, individualidad, respeto, etc. Mi nivel de inglés no es alto, pero es comprensible.

Love the book.

une belle histoire comme une ode a la tolerance et des superbes illustrations ma niece de 3 ans a adore ce livre et moi aussi