IF YOU'RE A DRAG QUEEN AND YOU KNOW IT

The classic children’s action song gets a fabulous twist.

Drag queens take center stage in this adaptation of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” The lively, colorful illustrations and the characters’ wild costumes will engage readers from the first page. There is no storyline per se; the text consists entirely of three verses of song lyrics. The instructions for a wide range of bodily actions (blow a kiss, strike a pose, say “taa-daaa,” wink, shake your bum, “laugh real big,” mouth the words, twirl around, and shout “yesss queen!”) will encourage young readers to get up and move. On each double-page spread one drag queen demonstrates an action and three other cross-dressers mimic it. In addition to celebrating drag queens, this picture book celebrates human beauty in its diverse forms. There is a drag queen using a wheelchair and others sporting glasses, a mustache, and tattoos. There is also a range of skin tones. The book works as an active read that can be enjoyed either individually or in groups. Adults will enjoy reintroducing children to a new version of a timeless childhood song. And of course, for libraries participating in Drag Queen Story Hour, this title is a must! (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A delightful spin on an old musical favorite.