Publishers Weekly
“Gentle-hued watercolor and gouache illustrations by Bray-Bourret...[create] a comedic effect...Boulay and Simard accessibly interrogate identity.”
Kirkus Reviews
“A kind message.”
School Library Journal, starred review
★“Insightfully emotional…A poignant, purposeful depiction of a family learning to recognize, confront, and heal internal struggles with self-love and self-worth. Children in need of encouragement will find comforting revelations about the value of individuality.”
Quill & Quire, starred review
★“Bouley bring immense tenderness to both [Regina] and Riley’s journeys of discovery…Bray-Bourret’s quirky illustrations offer energy and lightness that balance the serious subject matter of gender identity…This picture book shows how we can give young children the freedom to be themselves.”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Sensitive and nuanced...A beautiful combination of text and image, exploring gender expression, fluidity, and the power of being yourself when the world prioritizes conformity. Riley Can’t Stop Crying is a worthy addition to any home, school, or public library collection! Highly Recommended.”
The Globe and Mail
“This is a book that perfectly captures in both words and pictures the struggle so many young children face to be themselves.”