Thomas (who happens to have two moms) wants to be a ballet kid. In this charming picture book, he takes readers with him as he gets ready for class, greets his fellow students, and practices with his teacher, Mr. Elliott, for the big performance of The Nutcracker. He explains the ballet moves in accurate but simple terms; it’s clear he loves to share his knowledge. When it comes time to choose roles and costumes, he wants to be the Sugar Plum Fairy, and chooses a glittery purple tutu. He’s a little nervous before the show, but Mr. Elliott tells him “the magic will come from within.” Indeed it does, and the performance is grand.
A warm and affirming tale, with no hint of questioning or derision about Thomas’s gender creative choices. The story gets bonus points for also showing a male ballet teacher and having both a boy and a girl student play soldier roles. Thomas isn’t alone in bending gender expectations.
Thomas, his sister, and one mom are Black; the other mom is White.
