How a Lost Cat in Africa Challenged My Views on Gender

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — When I began working on The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, I expected that the most challenging part would be sending a pampered city cat into the harsh, unpredictable environment of the African wilderness. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was how much my own writing would be influenced by gender norms.

Time and again, I found myself gravitating toward using “he” for the main character. As Casper faced dangerous situations, phrases like “she screamed like a girl” would sneak into my mind. And when my characters needed to show bravery, I would think about phrases like “man up” or “be strong like a man.” These expressions are so deeply embedded in our everyday language that we barely notice them. However, children are much more perceptive than we realize. It’s in children's books that these stereotypical messages can often first take hold.

That's when it clicked for me: Casper's journey wasn’t just about a cat lost in Africa. It was about offering a new perspective on what it means to be strong, vulnerable, and courageous. I wanted to let go of traditional gender expectations—not by making a big statement, but by creating an environment where equality feels completely natural. The more children are exposed to female characters who are bold and capable, and male characters who are nurturing and emotional, the more they begin to see these qualities as human traits, not limited by gender.

Take Casper, for example. She's not a "strong female character" because she's flawless. She’s strong because she’s relatable. She makes mistakes, she has fears, she cries, but through it all, she persists. Her resilience comes from her authenticity, and that is what true courage looks like.

But breaking gender norms wasn’t just about giving the female protagonist strength. It also meant changing the expectations for male characters. In Book 4: The Baboons, we meet Henry, a muscular father baboon. Henry expresses his love for his kids by giving them a playful tap on the head, rather than hugging them. “Hugging’s what mums do, not dads,” he says. Casper challenges him: “Why not do what feels right to you?” By the end, Henry realizes that hugging his children doesn’t make him any less of a father—it makes him more connected with them.

In Book 6: The Vultures, we meet Boggles, a tough, grumpy male vulture, who has a breakdown after injuring his wing. He initially refuses to cry, saying, “Vultures don’t cry—maybe girl vultures, but never boy vultures!” However, when his friends comfort him, he learns the liberating power of tears. “Everyone should cry,” he finally admits. This moment is significant for young readers: it shows them that even the strongest-looking characters can be vulnerable, and that vulnerability isn’t a weakness.

These moments may seem trivial or even humorous, but they are essential for children. They show boys that tenderness and affection are not only acceptable, but valuable. They show girls that bravery and strength are traits they can embody. They teach all children that real courage can look like showing emotions, offering a hug, or simply continuing to move forward despite fear.

This is why representation in children's literature is so important. The stories we share with children not only entertain them—they shape how they perceive the world. If every hero is male and every caregiver is female, children will internalize those roles as facts. But when they see both boys and girls—and even animals—demonstrating kindness, courage, and vulnerability, they start to understand that these traits are shared by all humans, not limited by gender.

I’m not trying to write “feminist books,” nor am I suggesting that strong male characters don’t have a place in literature. On the contrary, I believe that both sensitive and strong characters should coexist in stories seamlessly. Until it’s completely normal to see a female cat lead a grand adventure in Africa, or a male vulture shedding tears and feeling stronger for it. Until we can see strength and kindness, fear and bravery as qualities that belong to everyone, regardless of gender.

The stories we tell children influence how they view the world—and, just as importantly, how they see themselves. If we consistently show that both boys and girls can be strong, both can express their emotions, and both can lead, we can help eliminate stereotypes altogether. They will quietly fade into the background, replaced by something simpler and truer: shared humanity.

 Discover the World with Little Boola Books

If you want to introduce your child to the wonders of wildlife, exciting adventures, and valuable life lessons, Little Boola Books is the perfect place to start. Their award-winning series, The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, goes beyond storytelling—it immerses young readers in a world of exploration, empathy, and environmental awareness. With engaging stories and vibrant illustrations, Little Boola Books fosters a love of reading, encourages environmental stewardship, and helps cultivate empathy in children around the globe.

Explore more through the Little Boola Books Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.