Customer Reviews

Uncle What-Is-It Is Coming

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

You know, this book meant well. It meant to make introducing a gay relative to your kids less confusing and free of prejudice. However, it starts off with the kids being told their gay uncle will wear black leather and chains. The cartoon leatherman looks like he just bit through a beer can, and the kids tremble with fear. Then, they are told that he could be a drag queen. This time the book depicts a Carmen Miranda figure with a hairy chest floating through the air, and again the children are spooked. But, hurray, kids, he's totally "normal!" He likes football and he makes great desserts! However, the author has revealed his own prejudices. What if the uncle really is something like a leatherman or a drag queen? The book does very little to say those "stereotypes" could actually turn out to be nice, loving people. And furthermore, all he's done is create a new, family-friendly stereotype, so now children will expect the poor uncle or cousin to have a perfect spiral and bake layer cakes. Okay, perhaps it's not a complete disaster. I noticed in an editorial review that Uncle What-is-it points out that all that "gay" means is that one man loves another, which is one positive sentiment. However, as this book is apparently out of print, it seems that the public has caught on that replacing one stereotype with another isn't fair to the poor gay relative or the kids.

This book is perfect for all gay uncles to read with their niece or nephew!
A friend of mine showed it to me back in 1994. I have never forgotten it. Now
I want to share with another dear friend of mine, that is a new gay uncle. Uncle What-Is-It Is Coming

Yes, the artwork could be better and, yes, the writing could be tweaked a bit, but there is such a need for a book like this that those are very forgivable shortcomings. Its message is clear that acceptance and love should be our standards. Congrats on a very brave book! :-)

This book not only shows children that "gay" means different things to different people --- it clearly outlines acceptance!! "Uncle Brett" is a nice guy -- he looks like a regular guy -- not scary like the kids down the street described. My kids had heard all the negative descriptions and realized that I wasn't the only person on earth who is accepting of gay or lesbian after reading this book. It's entertaining, educational and brilliant.

This book is about two kids who are going to meet their Uncle who is gay for the first time. They ask neighborhood characters what gay is and are introduced to many comical gay stereotypes. Gentle and humorous way challenge our absurd stereotypes. They learn their Uncle is pretty normal.