About the Author

CHRISTINE BALDACCHINO is a writer and artist with a background in early childhood education. She is the author of two picture books, including Violet Shrink, illustrated by Carmen Mok, a love letter to introversion, imagination and protecting one’s own energy; and the Stonewall Honor recipient Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant, which won the CBC Bookie Award for Best Picture Book, was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award and has appeared on a number of lists, including Kirkus Best Picture Books That Celebrate Diversity and the American Library Association’s Rainbow Book List. Christine currently lives with her husband and cat in Toronto, Ontario.

ISABELLE MALENFANT was born in the north of Quebec, between gold mines and lakes, in the city of Val d'Or. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Université du Québec à Montréal, then fell in love with illustration. Since then, Isabelle has illustrated more than twenty children’s books, including the highly acclaimed Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino. She lives with her family in Montreal.

Reviews

[R]ather than presenting an overt message about gender identity, the book provides a subtle and refreshing glimpse at a boy who simply likes to dress up.
*School Library Journal*

Baldacchino doesn’t sugar-coat the teasing and isolation Morris endures. . . . Malenfant showcases Morris’s full emotional spectrum.
*Publishers Weekly*

Morris is a complex character whose creativity and personality shine. . . . Sensitive and reassuring.
*Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW*

[A] wonderfully moving and enriching picture book. Morris is a relateable character whom many readers will find both sympathetic and familiar.
*Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW*

Unlike some more messagey titles on the subject, this one provides Morris with a personality beyond his dress-loving nature, making him enjoyable literary company.
*Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books*

First-time author Christine Baldacchino debunks all the shoulds and shouldn’ts of children’s behavior merely based on the number of x-chromosomes. . . . Veteran illustrator Isabelle Malenfant imbues young Morris with such expressiveness, from his curious joy to hurt silence to cruel rejection to hopeful triumph.
*BookDragon*

Christine Baldacchino's story and Isabelle Malenfant's delightful illustrations show how being different is sometimes the bravest thing you can be.
*National Post*

Baldacchino’s gentle story sensitively depicts gender nonconforming children, offering them reassurance and, one hopes, acceptance by introducing other children to the concept.
*Booklist*