About the Book and Author and Illustrator
A story with a happy ending that will resonate with anyone who has yearned for something they spotted in a shop window, causing them to scrimp and save whilst dreaming about being able to wear it one day.
And brilliantly refreshing that in this particular case the character is a little boy who sees a shimmering, red sequinned evening gown endorsing the message that gender rules need not apply to clothes.
People should be allowed to wear what makes us feel good and comfortable with themselves.
The story is told in rhyme and beautifully illustrated as you can see in from the photos of the inside pages below.
Editors Note: I still remember the acute disappointment when I was denied the strappy gold sandals I saw in BHS as a six-year-old!
Robert Tregoning studied at the Glasgow School of Art before leaping in to a career on the West End stage. He has appeared in shows including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Academy Award Winner Sam Mendes and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda the Musical, directed by Matthew Warchus. As an LGBTQ+ writer, Robert hopes to help children and adults alike to accept and celebrate all that makes us uniquely ourselves. The stories Robert writes are stories he wishes he could have read as a child. He hopes they provide a voice of recognition, validation and kindness to those who need it.
Pippa Curnick grew up in rural Essex and studied at Camberwell College of Art. She graduated from the University of Derby with a First Class degree in illustration. Pippa’s picture book Lucie Goose was shortlisted for the Evening Standard’s Oscar’s First Book Prize and she is the author and illustrator of the Indigo Wilde series for older readers (Hachette).
Book Review
I love how the little boy gets to wear whatever he wants to wear and dance around and be happy in the red dress.
This book is now one of my favourite books. I love how the little boy gets to wear whatever he wants to wear and dance around and be happy in the red dress.
I felt a bit sad when the dress was gone after all his hard work. But it was a lovely surprise at the end for the little boy and for me to see him so happy and to be himself.
He was very pleased and so was I. I have loved reading the book with my Mummy and Daddy.
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Reviewer Profile
- Name: Edith
- Age: 6 years
- Likes: swimming, Lego and outdoor play
- Dislikes: the dark and loud noises
- Favourite Book: The Kitchen Disco by Clare Foges
- Favourite Song: Miss Polly had a Dolly
- Favourite Film: Spiderman
