A boy works to buy the dress of his dreams, and his mother supports him all the way, in this tale of pure queer euphoria.
A boy sees a dazzling red dress in the window of a second-hand store, and “There in that moment, the boy made a wish:/to put on that dress and to swirl and to swish.” The rhyming story shows the boy’s imagination taking flight as he wonders who else may have worn the dress—a woman fashion designer or jazz singer, or even a movie star (depicted as a bearded man; a nice nod to queer role models).
The boy’s mother (who has bright pink hair) suggests he do some chores and save his pennies, and so he does, helping all of the neighbors with dog walking, lawn mowing, vacuuming, and more. The Tooth Fairy even made a contribution.
By his birthday, the boy has enough, and eagerly runs towards the shop after school. Alas, the dress isn’t there! The boy’s sadness is evident, and his mom comforts him, gently encouraging him to go home and open his presents. All of the neighbors he helped (including one two-woman couple) are there—and a surprise from his mom (you can guess) awaits.
The boy puts on the dress and swirls through the house, as his mom and the neighbors share in his joy. The last page shows the boy and his mom hugging, a scene of utter love and support.
Author Robert Tregoning’s rhymes are spot-on and bouncy, evoking the boy’s exuberance, and Pippa Curnick’s illustrations are just the right amount of whimsical.
I love that there is not a whiff of self-doubt, external disapproval, or even questioning in this story, unlike many other books about boys who want to wear dresses or skirts. Yes, the latter type of books may have a place in helping a child who experiences such things, but I always worry that they can also introduce or reinforce fears. Sometimes, we just need the joy.
Highly recommended.
The boy and his mother are White; other characters reflect a range of skin tones and racial/ethnic identities.
