Andrew Larsen’s latest picture book, Call Me Gray, was co-written with his child and musician Bells Larsen and illustrated by Tallulah Fontaine.

This accessible picture book sensitively depicts the anxiety of coming out to a parent at a young age, and the warmth and safety of their unconditional acceptance and love. The situation unfolds as the father and child are enjoying a tradition: building their annual backyard rink. This year, however, the child – assigned male at birth – is struggling with a realization that bubbled up when they were excluded from their best friend’s “girls-only” sleepover. As they work on the rink, the child first asks, “do you ever feel mixed up about who you are?” The child eventually shares, “I look like a boy but sometimes I feel more like a girl.”

The father’s response to that last statement is simple: “I’m glad you told me.” When the child asks to be called Gray, their father is honest, saying, “I’ll try.” Later, when he slips and calls them “buddy,” Gray reminds him. His apology and eventual unprompted use of “Gray” feel both realistic and affirming. Just like the rink itself, Call Me Gray is a collaboration between father and child, and their love shines through.

Fontaine’s illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity. The heavy use of blues and greys, contrasted against the glow of the rink lights, windows, and stars, mirrors the warmth of Gray’s relationship with their father. When sleepover day finally arrives, Gray takes solace in that relationship, celebrating the finished rink with a first skate and a cup of hot chocolate.

The story doesn’t promise perfection. Instead, it shows that care and effort are what matter most. Overall, this is a lovely story that realistically depicts how parents can support their gender-questioning children – and offers comfort and strength to kids who are trying to navigate vulnerable conversations of their own.