Miss Rita, Mystery Reader

May 1, 2022
Sparkle is serious business--and so are storytimes. Tori's father is scheduled to be the class mystery reader today--an event that initially makes Tori feel elated, but as Daddy gets dressed, emotions shift from joy to apprehension. Daddy is a drag queen who goes by the moniker Miss Rita, and Tori is afraid that their classmates won't love Miss Rita as much as they do. Thankfully, drag queens are used to thinking on their feet, and with the right words of comfort, Miss Rita reminds Tori that everyone wears different clothes for work. This, and the antics of Tori's pet cats--named for queer activists Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson--raises Tori's spirits and inspires them to transform into "Miss Tori Teller," a fabulously dressed assistant in a bow tie and a silvery skirt. The story is amusing and reads well. Drag performers should have this at the tops of their lists for drag-themed storytimes for the next several years--and a talented storyteller will be able to milk this for all it's worth. The digital illustrations are slightly generic--a terrible thing in drag--but the realistic depiction of Miss Rita as a middle-aged parent as opposed to an overfiltered drag fantasy is commendable. Tori and Daddy are light-skinned with dark hair; the students have a range of skin tones and hair textures. There's no mystery here; Miss Rita is going to werk all Pride Month! (This book was reviewed digitally.) Let this winning pair sashay onto your shelf. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-10)

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September 5, 2022
Tori, a dark-haired nonbinary child, is excited for their father’s drag persona, Miss Rita, to be their class’s “Mystery Reader” in this upbeat picture book. Tori participates in Miss Rita’s preparations, choosing the perfect makeup, wig, and gown (“Because sparkle is... serious business”). When Tori admits that they’re afraid their class won’t “love Miss Rita as much as I do,” Daddy’s reassurances inspire them to become Miss Rita’s assistant, complete with rainbow socks and a glittery skirt. The light-skinned duo hand out costumes to enthusiastic students portrayed with a range of skin tones, and story time begins. Tori’s feelings—from excitement to wide-eyed nervousness—are clear in Wixted’s digital art, while bright colors evoke drag’s vibrant nature. Donovan’s conversational text emphasizes an emotionally honest parent-child relationship, and like any good performance, it’s fun and full of heart. An authors’ note includes context on drag, gender identity, and LGBTQ activism. Ages 3–6.

Starred review from May 1, 2022
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* This sweet and reassuring picture book tells the story of a young child, Tori, who's worried how their class will react to their dad, the designated "Mystery Reader." Wise, empathetic Dad lets the child come up with a solution: the two will do the reading presentation together, to great acclaim and a happy ending. There's one twist: Dad is a drag queen. Readers follow along as Dad transforms into Miss Rita Book through careful application of makeup and meticulous deliberations over which wig, gown, shoes, glitter, glamour, and glimmer will work best. When Tori, a nonbinary child who uses they/them pronouns, begins to have doubts about Miss Rita's pending reception, Dad volunteers, "I can just be Daddy today." Instead, Tori decides to dress up as Miss Rita's assistant: Miss Tori Teller. The glittery duo is welcomed, along with their props: "They handed out wigs and beads and glittery capes to everyone who wanted them. And a very sparkly story time began." Authors Donovan (of Project Runway fame) and Wixted include a helpful author's note with information (including pronouns) for drag performers and nonbinary people. The vivid, expressive, and energetic illustrations catch just the right over-the-top tone. This fun selection is a great way to enhance picture-book collections.

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