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In this study I have analysed three picture books from a gender perspective: Gittan gömmer bort sig, Vera och Vilgot i byggvaruhuset, and Superhjälte. The aim was to find out how the characters are presented from a gender perspective and whether traditional gender patterns are reinforced or challenged. The aim is to find signs of equality between the sexes. The method used is discourse analysis. The theory from which I proceed is gender-focused literature analysis. The analyses showed that several of the characters break traditional gender patterns and that the equality of the sexes is manifest. It is above all the children in the books who do not follow the norm, whereas the adults are more stereotyped. My perception is that these books seek to question traditional gender roles. A broad repertoire of books can help to affect children’s view of gender. School should uphold the equality of the sexes, and as teachers we can help to shape the children so that they do not get stuck in traditional patterns.