Everyone in Drew’s class has signed up for the talent show, except Drew. He doesn’t have any talents, or so he thinks. As he ponders what he might do, we see that on face-painting day at school, he painted a butterfly on his face, while the other boys painted skulls and lizards, and mocked him for his choice.
He expresses his gender creativity at home, too, where his grandma lets him use any face paint or costume. He performs as a werewolf, a dancing sorceress, and more. One day, his grandma (presumably sensing the tension at school) takes him out to a special performance: a Drag Story Time.
Other kids there are dressed in costumes; Grandma brings a rainbow umbrella. And drag queen Saturn Stardust leads the audience in stories, songs, and dance. After the show, Drew says he wishes he was talented like her. She then reveals her real talent: “I’m proud of who I am,” and gives him her cape.
Back home, Drew and Grandma turn the cape into a giant butterfly costume, which he wears on stage at the talent show, cracking a joke and spreading glitter. While some of the people in the audience sat with their arms folded, “Most of them cheered”—and Drew’s spirit soars.
This is a book with a message, about the power of embracing one’s self, the importance of supportive guardians/relatives, and the value of role models (including drag queens). But author D. D. Sheppard knows enough not to over-explain, letting the characters’ actions speak for themselves. That keeps the story from feeling pedantic (like some other books about gender creativity) and makes it more likely young readers will enjoy it and absorb its message. I also appreciate that although it is clear not everyone approves of Drew’s gender creativity, Sheppard avoids including negative words and phrases (beyond the boys calling Drew “Butterfly Boy”). We sense the negativity without giving it unneeded airtime. For young readers, this feels like the right approach.
There are lyrical moments, too, like when Drew dons Saturn’s star-strewn cape and reflects, “It was like having the entire universe wrapped around him.” Pheilm Martin’s illustrations are sketch-like and lively, adding to the book’s charm. All told, it’s a highly recommended tale that should inspire self-confidence and offer opportunities for further discussion.
Drew and Grandma are White; classmates reflect a variety of racial/ethnic identities.
