Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a cute way to look at different families and explain it to very young children. I liked that the two penguin dads were included as that not only links back to another book for further reading but is a great example they can see in real life too. Some of the animal mixes worked well like the pony and donkey which again can be seen in a mule or hinny in real life. However, some of them, though cute, were unrealistic like the otter and raccoon who are known to fight in the wild which means if kids start asking not everyone can be shown as real which can make the younger ones start questioning even more. The artwork itself is stunning and the poem like text makes it more fun for children. Favourite Quote: “Although they are different, they're lovely to see. There's love at the heart of each family.”
Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Plays, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’m still quite new to plays but I think this is the closest to tears I’ve come with to with a play before. It is really emotional and shows the human impact of LGBTQ+ people in Nazi Germany and concentration camps. It shows the way in which human behaviour can be shaped by extreme circumstances with how Max’s relationship with Rudy changes. It also shows the limits to human capacity by the ending and the way in which Max, Rudy and Horst are shown by the end. Favourite Quote: “Well, for once, you're right. It is silly. There are queer Nazis. And queer saints. And queer geniuses And queer mediocrities. No better, no worse. Just people. I really believe that. That's why I signed Hirschfield's petition. That's why I ended up here. That's why I'm wearing this triangle. That's why you should be wearing it.”