Payden's Pronoun Party

Ages 4 to 8

In this refreshingly celebratory LGBTQIA+ story, a child goes on a quest to find the right pronouns and discovers many beautiful kinds of gender identity, unquestioning support, and a more confident sense of self.

“I’m not sure I’m a boy… so maybe he is not best for me.”

Payden has always used he/him pronouns, until one day Payden realizes those words might not fit. Payden’s parents promise to throw a big party to introduce whatever pronouns Payden chooses—but which pronouns are the best match? On a colorful quest, Payden talks to friends about a rainbow of possibilities: he, she, they, ze, and so many more! The right pronouns are just waiting to be tried on.

Put on your party hats and learn about the magical variety of pronouns in this thoughtful story that imagines a world of unquestioning support for gender exploration, celebrates all the different ways a person can present, and provides a blueprint for people of any age who are pondering what gender means to them.

About the Author

Blue Jaryn is a university tutor, literacy and language student advisor, and freelance editor. They write to tell the kind of stories they wished they had growing up, and they hope their writing helps kids who experience negativity for being “different.” Payden’s journey was inspired by Blue’s own exploration of gender and what pronouns fit best. They live in Melbourne, Australia with their partner and Jack Russell terrier, Nyla. This is their debut picture book.

Xochitl Cornejo is a motion graphics designer, 2D animator, and background painter. They are nonbinary and hope that readers can use their art to see and be comforted by the fact that there are many ways to exist in the world and present to others. Xochitl lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, where they like befriending the neighborhood cats. This is their debut picture book.