l to r: Edwin Dumont (Credit: Luna Parent) and Melissa Cho

The Fabulous Edweena, written by Edwin Dumont and illustrated by Melissa Cho, is a heartening, picture-book introduction to drag. A young boy, Edwin, has been practising and waiting all year for a school figure skating competition. While getting dressed to compete, Edwin sits in his big sister Patsy’s closet, gazing at all the pretty dresses and accessories. Edwin loves Patsy’s closet, “[g]oing in as one person and coming out as another.” He eventually puts on his favourite dress, boots, Patsy’s fancy gloves, chandelier-like earrings, and makeup, topping it all off with a wig.

Edwin thus introduces the reader to Edweena Louisa. When Edweena heads down the stairs, showing off the competition look, Patsy tells him he’s sure to win and that she’ll be there to cheer him on, while Patsy’s friend, who is also present, says nothing. Edweena notices this and is grateful for Patsy’s encouragement.

Sure to “be the only one dressed in drag,” Edwin notes that it will be the first time his classmates will see Edweena. Edwin, though, is aware of how “mean people can be.” The reality of the outside world must be faced.

Illustration: Melissa Cho.

After trying to avoid the neighbour girl and the mean boys down the street by using Patsy as a distraction and taking the long way around, Edweena finally arrives at the school’s skating rink. There is no hiding then. We learn that Edwin also has a supportive brother who plays hockey, but as more people stare and make comments, Edwin wonders whether his Edweena persona will be enough. In the end, Edwin learns that the people around him might be more accepting than he thinks.

The book’s illustrations are bright, celebratory, and full of movement, though at times, in contrast, there are shadows in the background of the people who make Edwin anxious. Cho makes sure the reader remembers that it is Edwin who is underneath Edweena’s fabulous appearance. Though his drag is beautiful, it is Edwin’s bravery and confidence that we most admire and learn from.