A small, innocent and cheerful boy, Neil, has worries. He feels that he is growing up and will soon become a man. But how should he behave? To find out, he carefully observes the men in his family, those he sees on the street, in books, and on television. After much research and having formed in his mind the acceptable image of a man, he goes to school with a completely different attitude... But in the middle of the day, he doesn't feel well and goes to the doctor... And there he finally understands...
A wonderful, sweet, and tender children's book that breaks stereotypes and promotes love and acceptance of one's true self. At the same time, it is humorous with clever and apt illustrations.
Little children are bombarded daily with a lot of information and it is easy for them to form mistaken perceptions. This book helps parents teach their children that they don't have to resemble anyone. They don't need to imitate either adults or their classmates. It's enough to be themselves and do what they love and what makes them happy.
Every time I hear parents at the playground scolding their little boys, telling them: "Come on now, you're a big boy and you're crying?", I feel melancholic... Yet another child stepping into a ready-made role...
And because I happen to be raising two little boys myself, I want them to feel free and to express their emotions... To cry, to want hugs and kisses, and to play with the children they get along with.
For these reasons, this book is a little treasure for me! It helps me teach my children that what we see in others is not necessarily right. There is no reason to become someone else. I want them to be themselves, even if that is not accepted by some.
I also really like the cover, which is very simple, clever, and humorous. A small, smiling boy erasing the word "DON'T" from the title with blue chalk...
So, men don't cry... Or do men cry?