Let’s Talk About That Bulldozer’s Pronouns

Sample Children’s Story: Little Drill was super excited for his very first day at school. He wanted to work hard just like his older brothers had. His friend, Crane Truck, was already in the class and loved it! Crane Truck liked to play with Sparkle and Shine, two shoes who were sisters. In the morning, they all sat down to color. Little Drill opened his bag, took out his box, picked out his blue crayon, and began to sketch on his paper–when suddenly his crayon broke! Oh no!

In the tranquil pages of children’s literature, where excavators and crane trucks tuck into bed after a long day’s work, there lies an unspoken narrative that is all too common. “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site,” a beloved bedtime story, has inadvertently become a platform for reinforcing gender stereotypes by exclusively using male pronouns, even in contexts where they are not necessary. This subtle yet pervasive choice contributes to the perpetuation of the “default male” concept, a topic extensively researched and brought to light in Caroline Criado Perez’s work, “Invisible Women.” (I do not receive anything from linking this book).

Perez’s research unveils a world unconsciously designed with men as the standard—a bias that infiltrates every facet of society, including the seemingly innocuous realm of children’s books. The implications are profound: when we assign a gender to inanimate objects like excavators, we are not just personifying machinery; we are instilling a gendered worldview in our youngest readers.

The absence of diversity in pronoun usage in “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” is a missed opportunity for inclusivity. It is a reflection of a larger issue within the literary world, where the default is often male, and the narrative is limited by this unconscious bias. As authors and creators of children’s literature, there is a responsibility to be mindful of the messages we are imparting. We must ask ourselves, who are we excluding from the conversation when we default to he/him pronouns?

It is time for authors, particularly those crafting stories for children, to embrace inclusivity and consider the impact of their words. The personification of objects in stories does not require a gender assignment. There is nothing inherently male about an excavator, a crane, or a cement mixer. These characters can be just as endearing and effective without the imposition of overly-gendered language.

And let’s be clear, my personal ideals on gender aside, capturing the literary landscape that reflects the diversity and complexity of the world our children navigate matters. It’s how we not only educate and advise, but empathize and connect. Children’s literature, especially, should be a window into a world they don’t [yet] know, and a mirror to see and better understand themselves. If I were to write a book about kindergarteners learning to share, cool… Little Theo can learn to share with Kate and Marcus… Kate can struggle to give up her blue crayon and Theo can learn to ask kindly instead of snatching. You can swap any of these characters’ names and gender and the story remains the same in plot and moral.

Let’s be intentional in our use of language, recognizing that the words we choose have the power to shape perceptions and influence the next generation. To the authors, illustrators, and publishers who bring stories to life: it is within your power to forge a path toward a more inclusive world. Pay special attention to the pronouns you use and the characters you create. Consider the silent message you send with every “he” and “him” that could have been a “they” or simply a character’s name. Your stories can be a canvas for change, a place where every child sees themselves reflected, not just as a side character, but as the hero of their own story.

Let us not wait for change; let us be the change. It is time to do better, to be more inclusive, and to ensure that no one is left out of the conversation. The future of children’s literature is in our hands, and it is bright with the promise of diversity, equality, and inclusion.