Home › Board Books for Babies & Toddlers › Except When They Don't
  • Except When They Don't by Laura Gehl book cover
  • Except When They Don't by Laura Gehl book cover
1 2

Except When They Don't

by Laura Gehl

Play beyond expectations

$10.91 USD
$18.19 USD $10.91 USD
Save 40%

Other New

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.
Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    School Library Journal starred review

    Starred review; the quoted review praises the book for encouraging self-acceptance and inclusive play.

AlbakiReads Editorial

Play beyond expectations

Rhyming contrasts between familiar ideas about “boys’” and “girls’” activities set up a book about the limits of gender stereotypes. The refrain “Except when they don’t” makes room for children whose interests do not match those expectations, while the message centers on self-acceptance and freedom in play. Published in partnership with GLAAD, the book also connects that invitation to broader LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 exploring ideas about gender and individuality
  • Families and educators seeking a rhyming introduction to inclusive play

Themes

Gender stereotypesSelf-acceptanceIndividualityInclusive playLGBTQ acceptance

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Now available in board book! This rhyming book encourages children to celebrate their individuality and lets them know that it's okay to play with whatever toys they want to!

"This book encourages kids to practice self-acceptance and embrace all kinds of play in a lighthearted and cheerful way." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Girls perform to fairy songs.
Boys play football all day long.

Boys yell, "Boo!" and run away.
Girls like kittens and ballet.

Except when they don't.

Children are often told by many different people about what toys they're supposed to play with, what interests they should have, and who they should be simply because of their gender. This stereotype-breaking book invites children to examine what they're told "boy" and "girl" activities are and encourages them to play with whatever they want to and to be exactly who they are! This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

You may also like

View all