Tar Gibbons

The Tar is a character from the children's book series 'Aliens ate my Homework' by Bruce Coville, who insists on being called an 'it.' It is described by the main character as "my special teacher. It (you don’t call the Tar “he” or “she”-that’s offensive) has a lemon shaped body, four legs, and enormous eyes. … it had taught me amazing things. I loved the Tar very much. There is nothing better than having a true teacher."

http://wewalkamongyou.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/tar-gibbons-a-gender-neutral-character-in-a-childs-book/