In 1974, when the first Free to Be . . . You and Me was published, it was the first of its kind: a book that dispelled stereotypes and taught kids they could do and be anything they dreamed of. In fact Marlo Thomas published the book after she found it difficult to read her niece a bedtime story that wasn’t full of princesses waiting for their knights in shining armor to whisk them off their feet.
Free to Be . . . You and Me [Running Press, 2008] was the first book to tell boys it’s alright to cry, that sisters and brothers come in all colors, and girls and boys can be anything they want to be when they grow up.
Thirty-four years later, Thomas has published the 35th anniversary edition of this bestselling children’s book. With some old favorites and some new songs, poems and stories tailored to speak to today’s kids, Free to Be . . . You and Me continues to knock down racial and gender walls and allow children to expand their horizons beyond society’s expectations and stereotypes.
The artwork is new and updated, in busy, vibrant colors. All of the material from the original book appears in the new edition, including contributions from Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Carl Reiner, Gloria Steinem, Judy Blume, Judith Viorst, Shel Silverstein, and Bruce and Carole Hart of Sesame Street fame.
Timeless Themes
The themes of the book – racial tolerance, different family make-ups, the importance of friendship, and limitless dreams – still make for good reading – and singing – for both kids and parents.
“Each story, each sentence, each word in Free to Be . . . You and Me was written to remind you that you’re the hero of your own life adventure and that you can write your story any way that you dream it can be,” Thomas writes in the introduction to the anniversary edition of the book.
Thomas says she’s thrilled to hear that the children who enjoyed the 1970s book and subsequent television show, album and play are now buying the newly published hardcover book.
Buying Free to Be . . . You and Me
At US $19.95, Free to Be . . . You and Me is an ideal gift for the new mom, new dad, or any family looking to add to its children's at-home library.
All proceeds from the sale of Free to Be . . . You and Me will go to the Free to Be Foundation, a subsidiary of the Ms. Foundation that develops educational products that challenge stereotypes, fight discrimination and encourage individuality.
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