Desert Queen

Based on the life of drag performer Queen Harish (1979-2019), this powerful biographical picture book is both a celebration of art and a manifesto for living on one's own terms. In the Thar Desert, where "there are lines in the sand/ that keep you in your place," young Harish is enchanted by music, but taps his feet and sways his fingers "softly, so no one sees." When he is orphaned soon after playing Lord Krishna at school, the youth begins performing to support himself and his sisters. On stage, the lines between genders blur--"SHE stands./ A goddess./ Shining, strong, proud." Living two lives ("Jeers and insults in the day./ Acclaim and applause at night"), Harish devotes himself to the craft, enthralls international audiences, and comes to experience life not as "Boy OR girl./ Man OR woman./ But/ fluid/ flowing/ like a dance/ in between/ and all around." Kohli's vibrant, kaleidoscope-like illustrations duet in harmony with Rajan Gopal's lyrical, rhythmic language. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 3--Music flows through a child in the Thar Desert--and yet no one sees him dance. His binary "desert world" makes him choose boy or girl, nothing else. A school performance casts the child as Lord Krishna, and the beautiful costume offers a glimpse of freedom. As tragedy eventually strikes the boy and his family, he turns to drag. Dare he continue to be himself when not all accept him (or her)? Inspired by (and dedicated to) real-life drag performer Queen Harish, Gopal and Kohli's lyrical collaboration is a visual feast with a powerful message. Within the narrative, the child uses both he and she pronouns, typically referred to with he/him out of drag and she/her in drag. The spreads boast vivid colors and culturally-specific motifs. Back matter includes an author's note, artist's note, and additional information about Queen Harish. VERDICT With art as shiny and glittery as the goddess herself, this picture book is nothing short of brilliant. An essential purchase.--Alec Chunn