Beautiful writing paired with gorgeous illustrations. I think it’s so important to teach all children, but especially boys, that they can be both strong *and* gentle, and this book captures the duality of human nature in a simple yet impactful way. Such a great read and the perfect addition to my son’s virtual bookshelf!

I loved the illustrations in this .
It was a wonderful tale about the joys of being a boy. Not something I can relate to but was such a joy to read .

This book has some very pretty pictures. I really enjoyed the illustrations. They are the best part of the book, but it's a pretty good story as well.

Fills a large hole in picture books- honest portrayal of boys. I can not wait to use this as a read aloud and introduce this to parents. The best that social emotional picture books can offer!

For the most part, I really like this book and what it stands for. I think that it is so important in today's world to knock down traditional expectations of boys and men. This book definitely does that, and so well, too! Additionally, I love how the author recognized that boys can be both strong and mighty, but also quiet and in touch with their emotions. It doesn't have to be one or the other, which is great for young readers to know.
The writing style that the author used was also very effective. This book read like a poem, and the design/organization of words and visuals allowed every aspect of the book to shine to its full potential.
Lastly, the illustrations were absolutely breathtaking! The different types of materials, colors, and brushstrokes were clear and defined, which added so much to the book as a whole. It's obvious that the illustrator knows what they're doing, does it well, and it very passionate about art. Bravo!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this book. I think this book is so important because it can show little boys how to be great human beings and that they don’t have to be a certain way to be considered masculine.

When You're a Boy is an important ode to how to raise boys to be compassionate despite the original messaging of distinct gender roles where boys are not to show emotion and find beauty in the environment, kindness in people, care of animals. All readers need to perceive these words.
Thank you to the author-illustrator, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a precious and perfect example of boyhood. I love that we are getting such strong stories about the depth of true and healthy development, with equal and meaningful influences of masculinity and femininity. This metaphor will resonate with so many and can be a resource of calm for young readers.

When You're a Boy shows the ways that boys can be beautiful, can enjoy the world around them, and can purely be who they want to be, regardless of what society expects of them. I wholeheartedly believe in being proactive when it comes to dismantling societal expectations and gender norms for children at a young age and I believe this book helps to do that.

A young boy shares the stereotypes expected of him and then the alternatives he is learning as well. Illustrations are beautiful. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this short read! The poetry was sweet and I liked how it flowed through the pictures in verse. I would absolutely buy this to read to my son as it shows the reader what real strength means. The art in its own right told a story but it never felt like it overpowered the poetry. I fully enjoyed reading this and look forward to more books by this author.

Lovely images and words. I almost wish there was a bit more text/ story, but this is simply personal preference.

When you’re a boy, you are told how to be like the cruel-clawing wilds.
But I’ve learned the falsehood of fighting, the strong shield of slowly, and the sharp sword of sorry.

- When You're A Boy, 76.00%

What a book! I was crying when I read it the first time because it was so beautiful.
As a mother of a son, this is the kind of book I want to read to my son. I needed to simplify the words so my son could understand, but still, the messages were the same.
My son and I loved the illustrations so much. He liked the details, and I liked the colors and the hints of mysterious in them.

Thank you to Blake Nuto, North Star Editions | Jolly Fish Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.

When You're a Boy is a hopeful, lighthearted lesson about what it means to be a boy. It teaches kids that being a boy doesn't always mean to be strong and powerful, but also sweet and caring. Personally, my kids and I really enjoyed the art style and the words really stuck with us. Suitable for primary to middle school ages. Thanks again for sending this to me, it was a joy to read!

This review is based on an ARC.

This story is timely and relevant, and necessary. My son and I had lots of conversations around this story, and it led us to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a boy in today’s world.

I loved reading this book. It gave me great inspiration and it's something I want my sons to read because I think boys have a difficult time expressing emotions and also they have high expectations on how society views them. I loved reading this book.

When You're a Boy by Blake Nuto is a sweet and simple picture book that offers a refreshing take on what it means to grow up as a boy. With lyrical text and soft, engaging illustrations, it encourages young readers to embrace curiosity, kindness, and imagination—traits that deserve to be celebrated.
This thoughtful, affirming read opens the door to meaningful conversations and feels like a quiet celebration of individuality. It would make a wonderful gift for a young child or a great addition to a classroom or home library.
Many thanks to North Star Editions | Jolly Fish Press for the advance copy. When You're a Boy will be released on November 18, 2025.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of children’s books—not just to find stories to share, but because I want to be intentional about the kind of messages I’m giving my child. My hope is to raise someone who not only loves books but also knows deep down that they don’t have to conform to outdated ideas of manhood. I want my child to feel completely free to be who they are.

When You're a Boy by Blake Nuto is a beautiful example of the kind of book that supports that vision. It’s gentle, poetic, and empowering, reminding boys that they can be sensitive, joyful, curious, expressive, and whole just as they are. It challenges old stereotypes in the most affirming and uplifting way.

The illustrations are just as meaningful as the words. They’re colorful, dreamy, and filled with emotion, bringing the message to life in a way that speaks directly to both children and adults.

This book is now firmly on my shelf of “must-reads” for raising a thoughtful, open-hearted human being. It’s the kind of story I want to return to again and again, and I’m truly grateful it exists.

A very sweet book covering the fact that boys can enjoy the softer sides of life. They can enjoy the still, they can appreciate the calm, appreciate the flowers, the rivers, the patience that life puts in front of you.

It's definitely an easy read, I'd recommend this book for 5 and under. The illustrations are whimsical. They give off the emotion of the book, which is caring, kind, free, creative. They are flowy and beautiful.

This would be a great baby shower book for someone having a boy.

The artwork is stunning and will help keep readers hooked, but some analogies might not quite hit home with the target age group. The story contrasts typical boy behaviors with thoughtful perspectives and acknowledges all the ways boys can express themselves: loud, quiet, bold, curious, active, or contemplative. Celebrates differences!