Gus Worland (text) and Heath McKenzie (illustrator), Boys Do Cry, Penguin Random House, February 2024, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761346583
Mental Fitness advocate and Australian of the Year Nominee, Gus Worland, wants children to know that the old adage ‘boys don’t cry’ is not a helpful way to deal with feelings. As the young protagonist’s day goes from bad to hilariously worse, his feelings build and build as he bottles them inside and refuses to cry. When a hug from Dad finally releases a flood of tears, he learns that acknowledging his feelings is a much better way to deal with them. As the young boy says: now, the things that made my feelings big don’t seem so big at all.
Worland’s rhyming text is accompanied by bold illustrations in Heath McKenzie’s recognisable style. The colours and design will appeal to young boys in particular, with heavy use of black, white, yellow and blue. A letter on the final page from Worland’s childhood best friend and movie star, Hugh Jackman, explains the book’s purpose to adult readers. The book is most suitable for children aged three and older. Teachers and parents will find Boys Do Cry a valuable resource to start conversations about feelings, expression and gendered expectations. Teaching notes are available on the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
