I saw a Facebook (or Instagram, it was late, I wasn’t paying attention where I was) post from the publisher of If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It. I said, “That looks familiar.” I screenshot and then passed out. The following morning, I went to work to look up the book. Yes, it looked familiar because I had recognized the blue haired/bearded Queen from The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish. As Hips is read to the tune of The Wheels on the bus If You’re reads to the tune of If You’re Happy and You Know it.
Lil Miss Hot Mess (a drag queen I am sure who swishes her hips) is back with their second book for little (and big) kiddos. The publisher says it is for ages four to eight/preschool to grade three, but I am sure not all children are ready or willing for such an adventure. Know your readers! Now, nothing is bad in the books. Yes, we have some colorful Drag Queens. Some with tattoos, some with beards, some with large mouths, some with hair that goes Up (and up and up and up….) and some who have lots of bold choices of makeup and clothing. You know, real Drag Queens. But I also know that it is a subject that is not always, shall we say, received with open arms?
Of course, I am curious if Olga De Dios Ruiz has modeled their Queens after actual queens, or just inspired by the idea of what Queens have been, are and could be. But it does not matter. They are 100 percent Drag Queens having fun. And they are abstractly realistic as they show you how to twirl, snap, stomp, swish, shake your bum, and so much more.
The great part of the books is that they are books that get you up and moving. It is a clever book about moving and grooving that just happens to have Drag Queens.