C.J. is…The Boy Who Cried Fabulous
Raising My Rainbow is written by the mother of a slightly effeminate, possibly gay, totally fabulous son. She’s chronicling their journey on Queerty right here.
When Uncle Uncle comes to visit he always arrives bearing gifts; beautifully wrapped gifts, because – after all — merchandising and appearance are everything. One of the favorites, by far, is the book The Boy Who Cried Fabulous written by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Peter Ferguson.
Yes, I have read My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis. I applaud her .But, C.J. identifies more with The Boy Who Cried Fabulous. I think it has something to do with redheads sticking together; hence his affinity for Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Strawberry Shortcake. I digress.
The Boy Who Cried Fabulous is, in a word, fabulous.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
It’s about Roger. “Roger is ‘different’ much to his parents’ dismay, until he teaches them just how fabulous being different can be!”
Leslea Newman explains why she wrote the book. “I have a very good friend named Roger, whose favorite word is ‘fabulous.’ One day Roger told me a friend of his gave him a nickname: the boy who cried fabulous. Roger said, ‘Wouldn’t that be a great title for a children’s book?’ I agreed and went to work!”
An excerpt from: The Boy Who Cried Fabulous
His mother set a simple rule.
She said, ‘Now Roger, you go straight
Straight to class and don’t be late.’
Roger tried hard to obey,
He knew that he should not delay.
He shouldn’t wander or explore
But then he came upon a store,
Its windows full of lovely clothes
So colorful that Roger froze,
Then clapped his hands in fits of glee
And shouted out in ecstasy:
“What a fabulous coat, is it silk or wool?
What a fabulous bell, can I give it a pull?
What a fabulous door, does it open wide?
What a fabulous store, can I come inside?
People often as me what C.J. looks like. He pretty much looks like a younger version of this. Handsome, no?
Other books by Leslea Newman that you might want to give a read. Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me are the first board books ever published for kids who live in two-mom and two-dad families.
A Fire Engine for Ruthie about a little girl who wants to play with fire engines and trains and motorcycles.
Too Far Away to Touch about a child and her special uncle who is lots of fun, even when living with AIDS means he’s not feeling his best.
Felicia’s Favorite Story about a little girl who loves to hear the story of her adoption told by her two mothers.
Heather Has Two Mommies about a little girl with two mommies who learns that families come in all shapes and sizes.
Donovan’s Big Day about a little boy on the day that his two moms are getting married.
Funny thing is, I’m wearing the same exact hat as the mom in this picture…right now….as I type. Weird!
What other books should I be reading to C.J.? I want your suggestions!
scott ny'er
that book sounds really cool. I want one.
Topher Cusumano
Check out Harvey Fierstein’s “The Sissy Duckling”. It’s very fun with great illustration, and solid moral. 😀
http://www.amazon.com/Sissy-Duckling-Harvey-Fierstein/dp/0689835663
guydads
The original sissy story for children was published over 60 years ago, “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf. It is the story of a fabulous bull that is different from the others.
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Ferdinand-Puffin-Storytime/dp/0142409529
guydads
The children’s four-book series, “Frog and Toad”, is a primer for same-sex relationships. Whether you and your buddy are “best friends forever” or a married couple, this series models the skills needed to have a long-term same sex relationship. The stories walk you through the everyday circumstances of Frog and Toad with simplicity and humor, without moralizing, on what characterizes an enduring gay relationship: compassion, affection, gratitude, generosity, creativity, thoughtfulness, laughter, and sharing life together.
http://www.amazon.com/Frog-Toad-Collection-Read-Book/dp/0060580860
AJ
One Dad, Two Dads, Red Dad, Blue Dads is awesome. It’s a great Dr-Suess-ish rhyming book about a child with two blue dads. And the fun, funny, and perhaps subversive part is that their “blueness” is the only issue discussed, yet the questions and answers that this unique “feature” encourages translate nicely to same-sex families. I appreciated how the “two dads” part is simply treated as normal and therefore not necessary to address, but the writing, rhyming and rhythm is so awesome that it’s a really fun book even without the important message about differences.
David Gervais
Don’t forget And Tango Makes Three
Casey
It sounds like you and that uncle are purposely trying to make this kid’s life a living hell.
rodrigo
@guydads: I always loved frog and toad! I remember reading it as a small child. Now that you mention it, they were rather cozy in each others company. There is also speculation that Arnold Lobel was gay.
Samwise
Does Roger remind anyone else of a young Conan O’Brien?
AJ
“Oliver Button is a Sissy” is another great one I remember being very formative to my childhood!
Jacob
I was always fond of Harold and the Purple Crayon. It’s about a little boy who draws an entire world for himself with a purple crayon and has adventures.
Jeremy
King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland. Its this great story about this Prince whose mother, the Queen, insists that he get married so she sends for all the Princesses from around the world to see if he likes one. Well one Princess brings her brother and they fall in love. So precious. There is also a sequal called King and King and Family where the boys adopt a little orphan girl.