By Christian Trimmer

Art by J Yang

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023

A CCBC Choices Selection

A Rainbow Book List Selection

★ “This tender validation of one boy’s emotional experiences around his gender presentation is a valuable, affirming tale for all children….A heartwarming story that’s ultimately about far more than hair. ”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ “Fluid digital illustrations by Yang focus on domestic and community scenes…while Trimmer’s narrative spotlights through longing internality Noah’s understanding of what he wants alongside the idea that he ‘just didn’t think he was allowed to ask for it.’”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ “A necessary and vital purchase for all collections that serve elementary school communities.”—School Library Journal (starred review)

“Noah's sweet story is a tidy example of how natural desires of self-expression are squashed by the arbitrary rules and roles of our toxic gender binary. Kids will have zero problem relating, and adults may find themselves unexpectedly moved, too, by the undeniable truths on display.”—Booklist

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By Christian Trimmer

Art by Rachel Gyan

“Welcome evidence that heroes come in all sizes, colors, shapes, and species.”—Kirkus Reviews

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By Christian Trimmer

Art by Mike Curato

For many years, I tried to figure out how to tell a story that captured my experience as a biracial kid. What Are You? is the result of those ruminations. As with a number of the books I’ve written, the protagonist—in this case, a puggle—is a bit more self-assured than I was as a boy. I’m so happy to have Mike Curato, a kindred spirit, as a partner on the book.

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By Christian Trimmer

Art by Kaylani Juanita

I wrote The Little Things as a “thank you” to the folks whose acts of kindness helped me achieve my dreams and who inspired me to pay it forward. It’s also an homage to the LGBTQ community, a community that has lifted me up, made me feel safe, and emboldened me. Now, as we live through a pandemic, I see the power of community everywhere. I hope your young readers enjoy the story and learn to recognize their power to change the world for the better.

“In a crowded market of picture books extolling random acts of kindness, illustrator Juanita’s charming images set this story apart. The details of each townsperson’s personality and identity sparkle on the pages, including disabled, Black, queer, and gender-nonconforming characters.”—Kirkus Reviews

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By Christian Trimmer

Art by Jessie Sima

★ “Fairy-tale reimaginings are common, but this quirky one more than holds its own. A superb story for longer read-alouds and one-on-one sharing.”—School Library Journal

"This book will top the pile of bedtime favorites in horse-loving households, with jokes thrown in for the grown-ups, to boot."—Publishers Weekly

"Trimmer's tongue-in-cheek story is full aware of its ridiculous premise--not to mention the irresistible adorableness of miniature horses--but readers lured by these won't be disappointed."—Booklist

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By Christian Trimmer

Art by Madeline Valentine

Teddy's Favorite Toy is loosely based on an event from my own childhood and is a celebration of great mothers everywhere. I wrote an essay for LGBTQ Reads describing the story’s origin.

★ "Joining the plethora of gender-norm-defying picture books comes this refreshingly bold story that makes its message clear without being pedantic....Simple, sophisticated language (“He sought out his mom and detailed the situation”) suggests a respectful alliance between mother and son, and is perfectly complemented by charming, gouache-and-pencil illustrations that capture the characters’ emotions as the story unfolds. Slightly older readers can unpack other layers about social norms and diversity, but all will appreciate this dynamic book's adventurous yet relatable style."--Booklist (starred review)

★ "Trimmer’s smart, closely observed portrait celebrates a boy and a mother whose relationship grows out of mutual respect. Although it’s left unsaid, Teddy’s play resists gender stereotyping in that he’s allowed the freedom to play with whatever toys he likes in whatever way strikes his fancy—and the result is an imaginative free-for-all."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The story’s implicit messages—that it should be unremarkable when boys play with dolls; that parents can become superheroic to do right by their children—ring loud, true, and (in a book full of comical flourishes, particularly in the mixed-media illustrations) funny...in terms of presenting gender nonconformity as perfectly normal, it’s ahead of the curve."--Horn Book

A Junior Library Guild Selection

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By Christian Trimmer

Art by Melissa van der Paardt

I grew up eating the most delicious Vietnamese food, both at home (thank you, Mom!) and in restaurants. Many of the restaurants we frequented had those great red-and-gold Chinese Zodiac placemats. I loved studying the different signs, and as an added bonus, my grasp of the twelves times table was exemplary.

When I finally allowed myself to start writing, I set out to tell a story about the Chinese Zodiac, specifically about why it did not have a cat among its twelve signs. As such, I'm pleased to introduce Mimi, a kitten who loves to play, chase butterflies, and eat cupcakes, and her best friend Shu, a mouse who always aims to win. 

Here's a little behind-the-book tidbit for you. The Chinese word for "kitty" is "maomi," which is adorable, but I thought "Mimi" better suited the character. And the Chinese word for "rat" (it's actually a rat, not a mouse, in the zodiac, but as a New Yorker, I have a hard time with rats) is "shu," which is a cute, memorable name, don't you think? (Apologies for the lack of accents marks here.) 

Melissa van der Paardt illustrated this big cast of characters and their world. Justin Chanda provided valuable editorial advice. Lauren Rille brought all of the elements together. 

By Christian Trimmer

Art by Melissa van der Paardt

After a lazy afternoon of watching cat videos, then dog videos, then cat and dog videos, I was inspired to write this harrowing tale of the deep-rooted tension that exists between siblings. Much like Cal and Aron Trask or the daughters of King Lear, Simon and Miss Adora Belle are in a never-ending battle for supremacy. Also, cats stealing dog beds!

Simon's New Bed is actually the second manuscript that I sold but the first to be published. 

Melissa van der Paardt provided the brilliant illustrations. Justin Chanda offered his expert editorial advice. Lauren Rille devised the wonderful design. 

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