What do you think?
Rate this book
Simply Skye
Avi's doll Skye is not a boy or a girl. Neither is Avi. But what will their family think? Avi uses Skye to explore gender expression and identity and also to discover how their family will react to Avi's own nonbinary identity. Breaking gender stereotypes, Avi's clothing choices and actions show their brother, sister, and parents who they really are as their family gradually understands and accepts Avi's identity.
As the mother of a nonbinary child, author Pamela Morgan wanted to make the books her child wasn't finding on bookshelves. She is a fierce advocate for transgender rights and an award-winning author and playwright. Illustrator Heather Bell grew up playing tea party, war, and squirrel adventures. The labels "girl" and "boy" never fully fit as Heather felt like both. It would be years before Heather heard the term "non-binary" and felt understood and seen. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a mother, illustrator Heather Bell sensitively portrays Avi's story with relatable emotions and family dynamics.
A touching story of self-acceptance, Simply Skye is a great starting point for discussions of diversity and understanding others and building SEL skills.
As the mother of a nonbinary child, author Pamela Morgan wanted to make the books her child wasn't finding on bookshelves. She is a fierce advocate for transgender rights and an award-winning author and playwright. Illustrator Heather Bell grew up playing tea party, war, and squirrel adventures. The labels "girl" and "boy" never fully fit as Heather felt like both. It would be years before Heather heard the term "non-binary" and felt understood and seen. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a mother, illustrator Heather Bell sensitively portrays Avi's story with relatable emotions and family dynamics.
A touching story of self-acceptance, Simply Skye is a great starting point for discussions of diversity and understanding others and building SEL skills.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 11, 2023
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 2, 2023
Avi expresses their non-binary identity to their family through their doll, Skye. SIMPLY SKYE is an emotionally resonant picture book. So often children express how they feel inside, through play, and this story beautifully captures that. I love how, rather than parents and older siblings teaching a lesson to a younger sibling, Avi teaches their family, and in turn, will teach some young readers while other young readers will see themselves on the page.
August 6, 2025
I'm not crazy about the illustrations but otherwise I really love this powerful little book.
July 25, 2023
A wonderful child-friendly story of a family learning to accept a nonbinary child as they explore what it means to be a boy or a girl and why it’s okay not to have to choose. Beautiful illustrations and a warm loving family learning true acceptance of what unconditional love means.
June 5, 2025
I saw this picturebook on the 2025 Trans Rights Readathon Instagram.
It was written by the mom of a non-binary child (about a non-binary child), and it's not actively bad, but I would have liked something stronger in 2023?
Protagonist child Avi's doll Skye "wasn't made to be a boy or a girl," but Avi's sister Angela and brother Andrew each insist that Skye matches their own gender and do gender-coded play (complete with gendered dress-up) with Skye and Avi.
It's a little simplistic, but I was willing to grant it.
Avi knows that Skye isn't a boy or a girl (and that e.g. clothes don't make Skye a particular gender).
Then Avi's dad casually says, "Skye has to be one or the other. Everybody is."
Avi is upset and we (the reader, though not yet the other characters) get the reveal that Avi, too, isn't one or the other.
Partly I'm just kind of over stories where there's a misgendering conflict.
The illustrations are often quite well-done. (Shoutout to the nonbinary illustrator.)
It was written by the mom of a non-binary child (about a non-binary child), and it's not actively bad, but I would have liked something stronger in 2023?
Protagonist child Avi's doll Skye "wasn't made to be a boy or a girl," but Avi's sister Angela and brother Andrew each insist that Skye matches their own gender and do gender-coded play (complete with gendered dress-up) with Skye and Avi.
It's a little simplistic, but I was willing to grant it.
Avi knows that Skye isn't a boy or a girl (and that e.g. clothes don't make Skye a particular gender).
Then Avi's dad casually says, "Skye has to be one or the other. Everybody is."
Avi is upset and we (the reader, though not yet the other characters) get the reveal that Avi, too, isn't one or the other.
Partly I'm just kind of over stories where there's a misgendering conflict.
The illustrations are often quite well-done. (Shoutout to the nonbinary illustrator.)
August 13, 2023
In the best way, Simply Skye is the kind of children’s book that we needed yesterday. As a child I used to think about grammatical rules as we learned them in about third grade or so. I remember learning about the possessive pronouns, when to use he or she. It always struck me as odd that ‘they’ was considered a pronoun that was both applicable for a plurality as well as no-particular gender, and I don’t think I was an isolated case. Though decades belated, this book was a retroactive breath I never got to live in. Both in school and at home gender-binary-specific language was typical and growing up in the bible belt area of the country – doubly so. It was hard enough to find someone who even took with cis-gender homosexuality as okay-enough.
Children are sponges, and they know more than I think is given due credit. A lot is forgotten about what it was like to be a child simply by no longer being one, yet certain lessons remain. A lifetime is molded out of what happens at a young age. This book gave me hope because were it to be one children’s book amongst a cannon of them it would do a lot to integrate both a representation of non-binary children they can grow into with a vocabulary that isn’t gender-binary-coded and it would give cis-gender children a vocabulary to understand and appreciate that it is a possibility for a human being to identify as such. That gender can be a spectrum, not a binary, and that someone as important to them as a close family member can identify that way.
A lovely beat inside the story is the inclusion of a hetero cis-gender parentage with two cis-gender siblings who have to learn to recognize when they are projecting the binary onto the child and how to apologize to someone they care about beyond words, but into supportive action. Represented by Heather Bell’s lovely illustrations.
Children are sponges, and they know more than I think is given due credit. A lot is forgotten about what it was like to be a child simply by no longer being one, yet certain lessons remain. A lifetime is molded out of what happens at a young age. This book gave me hope because were it to be one children’s book amongst a cannon of them it would do a lot to integrate both a representation of non-binary children they can grow into with a vocabulary that isn’t gender-binary-coded and it would give cis-gender children a vocabulary to understand and appreciate that it is a possibility for a human being to identify as such. That gender can be a spectrum, not a binary, and that someone as important to them as a close family member can identify that way.
A lovely beat inside the story is the inclusion of a hetero cis-gender parentage with two cis-gender siblings who have to learn to recognize when they are projecting the binary onto the child and how to apologize to someone they care about beyond words, but into supportive action. Represented by Heather Bell’s lovely illustrations.
November 25, 2023
This is an important and powerful story about allowing ourselves and those we love to be exactly who we/they want to be without forcing them into labels and categories. Avi's doll Skye is neither a boy nor a girl, sometimes one, sometimes both. We soon see that the doll Skye is a symbol for Avi's own confusion. But the confusion is not so much about Avi's identity - they seem quite sure of who they are - rather it arises because of other people's judgments and misunderstanding. When Avi's dad says that everyone has to be 'one or the other', we see the emotional impact of this rather clumsy statement on poor Avi, who knows that it's not true but lacks the tools to explain why or how. Morgan's skilful storytelling raises important issues and ends with heartwarming hope and acceptance, teaching some fundamental lessons without being at all didactic. A noteworthy and necessary book for kids, but I suspect that it's just as important, maybe even more so, for parents.
July 8, 2023
In SIMPLY SKYE, a poignant and beautifully illustrated picture book, Avi expresses their non-binary identity through their doll, Skye. The story emphasizes how children often use play to express their inner feelings. It follows Avi's journey of teaching their family about acceptance. The book encourages discussions on non-conformity to traditional labels while exploring themes of gender expression, identity, and embracing individuality. With relatable emotions and heartwarming family dynamics, this story is a valuable tool for meaningful conversations. Heather Bell's stunning illustrations enhance the book's re-readability, while Pamela Morgan's storytelling conveys a message of unconditional love. SIMPLY SKYE is a must-have for homes, schools, and libraries, providing children with a sense of validation and fostering understanding.
July 22, 2023
The world is obsessed with labels.
What are you? What team to you belong with? What neat and tidy little box do you fit in??
What the world doesn’t tolerate is those who don’t fit in, or reject, their boxes.
On the surface, Morgan has crafted a lovely (and important) story about gender expression. That it’s ok to not fit into society’s labels.
However, the larger themes she draws on state, very simply, that it’s ok to just be yourself. That self acceptance is a beautiful, powerful, thing.
I view the central issues of the book from the outside. Supportive, compassionate, but from the outside. Still, the universality of the themes brought a tear to my eye.
To quote Bruce Springsteen, “In the end, nobody wins unless everybody wins.”
What are you? What team to you belong with? What neat and tidy little box do you fit in??
What the world doesn’t tolerate is those who don’t fit in, or reject, their boxes.
On the surface, Morgan has crafted a lovely (and important) story about gender expression. That it’s ok to not fit into society’s labels.
However, the larger themes she draws on state, very simply, that it’s ok to just be yourself. That self acceptance is a beautiful, powerful, thing.
I view the central issues of the book from the outside. Supportive, compassionate, but from the outside. Still, the universality of the themes brought a tear to my eye.
To quote Bruce Springsteen, “In the end, nobody wins unless everybody wins.”
July 13, 2023
This book is a breath of fresh air for those who may not normally see themselves in children's picture books. The lessons presented in Simply Skye are universal and include messages of empathy, acceptance, self-love, and being genuine to yourself and others. I wish this book for every grown-up who wants to raise empathetic children and for those children who haven't yet seen themselves in children's books. I plan on recommending copies of this book to each library in my county. Thank you, Pamela Morgan, for writing this book.
July 17, 2023
Simply Skye is a story all children have the right to hear regardless of their own emerging identities. This story is one example of what some children grapple with as they live their lives in a traditionally binary world. Pamela Morgan creates a tale that acknowledges the traditional mindset being challenged by the voice of their own child. The parents ultimate reaction is an example of what our role as parents truly is…to meet are children where they are and give them respect. These are ideas never to be banned, but to be celebrated.
Read
October 3, 2025Simply Skye is a story about a child named Avi, who has a doll, that like them is nonbinary. Avi is navigating this world of expression their true self, but struggles to know if family and friends will understand and be accepting. A great lesson can come of this story, by showing students the importance of being true to yourself and being brave in one's identity as well as being self-accepting. I could use this book in my future classroom to pair kids up and allowing them to share their identities and personalities with each other as a way of making everyone feel respected for who they are.
Read
October 23, 2025Critics of sexual education claim that the subjects of gender are too advanced for young children. In this book, they are proved wrong. Simply Skye follows a normal kid, who does normal things, however is non-binary. When children read this, it does not influence them in one direction or the other. What they truly learn is that nonconforming gender identities are OKAY, and just as valid as conforming! I would certainly read this book to my classroom so everyone has the chance to see a window of gender expression they may not have experienced yet.
June 29, 2023
Avi's doll Skye "doesn't have long curly hair or eyelashes, like Mommy." Or "a prickly face or hairy toes, like Daddy." And Avi knows that "'he' clothes and 'she' clothes don't make Skye a boy or a girl." Because Avi also knows "that's not how Skye was made." But will Avi's family still like Skye--and Avi--if they aren't "one or the other?" Deftly illustrated, SIMPLY SKYE is sweet and effective, an important message wrapped in warm, loving a hug.
July 15, 2023
Simply Skye is a heartfelt story about a child named Avi and their doll, Skye. Both Avi and Skye love pirates, tea parties, camouflage, and dresses. At first, Avi's parents and siblings don't fully understand Avi's nonbinary identity - which is revealed through Skye. But they quickly learn to embrace Avi exactly as they are. This story is a beautiful reminder that there is only one way to love: unconditionally.
October 12, 2023
As a lifelong early childhood educator and curriculum writer with an Ed.D. in education, I'm super impressed by how SIMPLY SKYE shares about gender. The author makes a complicated topic more approachable through Avi's doll, Skye. Young children will understand how Skye likes to dress in both tiaras and camo. Skye doesn't have to choose and neither does Avi, because they both are nonbinary. I highly recommend this story for home and school.
March 3, 2024
This books makes me want to cry every time I read it. Simply Skye addresses the feelings of a young child and a doll trying to figure out the topic of gender and gender normed activities. It goes through the process of Avi and Skye navigating this, sometimes tough, topic with their family. I think this would also be a great books for parents to read to see how they could help their children find their way through this journey.
October 20, 2025
This is about a child who prefers to not be called a boy or a girl. As Skye gets asked questions from others Skye learns to answer them by showing how it's okay to be different and not be just like everyone else. This book highlights a lot in individuality and identity so in my future classroom I feel like it could be used to help children understand different identities and respecting peoples differences.
October 21, 2025
This story follows Avi and thier favorite doll, Skye. Avi loves that Skye isn't a boy or a girl. When Avi plays, they imagine tea parties, adventures, and dressing Skye however they want. Not everyone in the family understands this at first but thorugh love and honesty Avi helps her family see that they too don't fit into one label.
This is a great story to share with students to help them better understand identity and embracing differences and that it's okay to be yourself.
This is a great story to share with students to help them better understand identity and embracing differences and that it's okay to be yourself.
October 23, 2025
"Simply Skye" is about a nonbinary child learning to navigate their gender by using their puppet Skye. Avi uses their puppet as a means of self-exploration and identity.
I would use this book in my classroom to teach children that gender cannot be put into a box. I would read this book to educate children on gender identity as well as how the many tools/ outlets they can use to express their gender identity.
I would use this book in my classroom to teach children that gender cannot be put into a box. I would read this book to educate children on gender identity as well as how the many tools/ outlets they can use to express their gender identity.
July 4, 2023
A wonderful book that helps children feel seen. This story would be a great launch pad for discussions about diversity and accepting others. The beautiful illustrations and well-written text combine perfectly to portray family dynamics and relatable emotions in this story about gender expression and identity.
July 10, 2023
Simply Skye by Pamela Morgan is a story about fitting in and acceptance. Avi and doll, Skye, embrace being non-binary and do not feel they should choose their gender identity to fit in. An important book to open discussions at homes and schools. The bright colorful art by Heather Bell perfectly complements the story.
July 12, 2023
Simply Skye is a heart-warming story exploring themes of identity and family acceptance. Pamela Morgan’s well-written text and Heather Bell’s beautiful illustrations bring this important topic to young readers. This is a relevant and necessary message for today. Highly recommended for classrooms and home/school libraries!
August 13, 2023
This is a sweet story about a child exploring gender identity. Told through the child's perspective, it presents the topic in a way that is gentle and accessible. The illustrations wonderfully show the interaction between the child and the family, as well as between the child and the doll. Ultimately this is a story about love and acceptance, I highly recommend!
January 19, 2024
This book had my 5-year-old and I nodding along. He kept voicing aloud, 'of course, they're just skye.' He was right alongside the main character, recognizing the injustice at having to be anyone you aren't and I couldn't have picked a more perfect book to read together with my kid. Highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
October 13, 2025
Simply Skye is a story about a girl named Skye who learns to embrace what makes her unique and to be confident in who she already is. The book celebrates individuality, self expression, and acceptance. In my future classroom, you could use this book to encourage discussions about self-identity and to help children appreciate their own and others’ differences.
October 15, 2025
I rated the book "Simply Skye" a 5 out of 5 stars because it is a heartwarming story about being yourself and feeling confident in who you are. In my future classroom, I could use this book to teach students about self acceptance and respecting others differences. It would be a great way to start a discussion about identity and kindness toward everyone.
October 22, 2025
This book was about using different ideas to explore gender and identity expression. This book is inspiring and shows the importance of acceptance. Skye isn't identified as a "boy" or "girl" so through play and different ideas, Skye is able to help Avi explore gender expression. This book would be good in a classroom because it encourages self expression and relates to real life families & children.
July 26, 2023
Simply Skye is a beautifully illustrated, well written book about love and acceptance. It is a book that is long overdue which portrays what every child longs for and needs, acceptance to be themselves and unconditional love.
October 5, 2025
absolutely beautiful journey skye and avi go on through the book finding who they are. as a reader you are brought into the story through avi's eyes that inspect skye and who syke is, but the analogy of skye is really speaking of who avi is
October 14, 2025
A very empowering book that follows a child names Skye. She does not fit into traditional gender boxes and embraces it with joy and pride. In a future classroom, I could read this book in hopes to make my students feel welcomed to express their identity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews