seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Albania
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from China
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Canada
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Albania
seen from Brazil
seen from Malaysia
seen from Brazil
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Albania
seen from Australia
seen from China
seen from Brazil
Photos from back when Pen Fight actually had a physical shop. It was the year I actually lost money running this, but it was fun to curate a little space, run lots of events/workshops and host some really good book talks. I also never really did get any decent pictures of it back then.
Hellllooo lovelies. Thought I'd treat you all with a very quick sale - 10% off everything with the code SummerFun10. In case you want some slightly cheaper zines, books, badges, prints or whatever else this summer ☀️😘 ends on the 18th!
penfightdistro.com
Did ya know, that lots of the books that are being sent out as gifts for trans day of nice book, you can also buy copies of for yourself on our website? Don't you lovely folks have good taste. Treat yourself to a new read too 🎁📔 Browse here: penfightdistro.com
Seven fabulous books to read for an inclusive Storytime
New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/seven-fabulous-books-to-read-for-an-inclusive-storytime/
Seven fabulous books to read for an inclusive Storytime
The power of stories that reflect our diverse communities aren’t just for young people, they are for all of us.
As drag entertainer Frock Hudson, I know the power an inclusive story can have.
For over a decade I have had the privilege to read inclusive stories at Rainbow Storytimes across the country (even on cruise ships).
To young people, these stories aren’t new, they are a part of their fabric growing up.
But for those of us who are a wee bit older, they represent something special and different.
Because we see the stories we didn’t get when we were growing up.
The representation we deserved to see.
And no matter what age you are, these stories fill you with pride.
They are about visability.
So I thought I would share so of my favourite books to read at inclusive events.
Photo by Teauge Leigh
‘Frockodile’ written by Jeanne Willis, Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
This isn’t just a fav of mine because of the name in the title.
But that is why a parent suggested I check it out after one storytime they attended with their kids.
Frockodile is fantastic to read out loud.
When a young crocodile finds some pearls, heels and more hidden away, dress-ups become a whole lot more fun.
He is teased by hyenas and scared of what his father might say.
But the animal kingdom rallies together to create a safe space to celebrate till the time is right.
I love reading animal stories, they grab kids’ attention straight away.
With a beautiful twist and a whole lot of joy, Frockodile will leave a big grin on your face and is a pleasure to read.
Check out Frockodile here.
‘Julian is a Mermaid’ by Jessica Love
Julian is a Mermaid (and it’s sequel Julian at the Wedding) are truly beautiful with amazing illustrations.
What Jessica Love has created here is a stunning journey of joy and beauty.
Julian shares his joy of beautiful women dressed as mermaids with his Grandma and decides to dress as one himself.
The beauty and exploration that comes from that is gorgeous.
The pictures do the talking, and the life in them you get to share with young people is heaven.
It is also wonderful to share such a powerful book that perfectly captures its community’s diversity and beauty.
The pictures do the talking with this book and the children get swept away in it.
When reading it, like a mermaid, you just have to go with the flow.
Because there is so much for young people to take in.
Check out Julian is a Mermaid here.
‘I Am Not a Fox’ by Karina Wolf & Illustrated by Chuck Groenink
What child hasn’t looked in the mirror and not liked what they have seen or feel like they don’t fit in.
This is a great book that gives voice to the inside, not the outside.
And give spower to trusting your gut, and finding your chosen family because of it.
Luca can’t seem to find anyone quite like him.
When Luca first arrives at the dog park, the other dogs turn him away.
“You’re not a dog,” they say, “You’re a fox.” But . . . Luca likes to chase cats.
He likes to yip at mailmen. And he likes sniff other dogs you-know-where.
Still, Luca has to admit, he doesn’t look like the other dogs.
So . . . he must be a fox, right?
But when Luca finds a trio of foxes in the forest and asks to join them, they don’t think that Luca is a fox at all.
In this heartwarming tale, Karina Wolf and Chuck Groenick remind us that you don’t need a label to find just where you belong.
Check out I Am Not a Fox here.
Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate
It was a child who came up to me after an event in a library and asked me why Grandads Camper wasn’t in my book collection.
Some of the best book suggestions have come from the young ones.
I headed to the book store and grabbed the only book on the shelf I could find.
A sequel to Grandad’s Camper which explores a wonderful grandfather-granddaughter relationship.
Grandad’s Pride sees Grandad and Milly reunite to learn about Pride and the power of community.
The highly-anticipated sequel to Waterstones Prize-winning Grandad’s Camper celebrates the power of community and the importance of LGBTQIA+ history.
Milly can’t wait to spend a summer at Grandad’s cottage by the sea.
She is even more excited when she discovers Grandad and Gramps’ Pride flag in the attic.
Grandad insists he’s too old to go to the London celebrations, especially now Gramps isn’t around any more.
Milly has an idea to get the local community together and bring Pride to Grandad.
So many young ones already know about Grandad’s Camper so they love being able to go on adventure with Grandad and Milly once more.
Finding different ways to share and express what pride means is so important to rainbow families.
It creates great space for young people to share what it means to them.
Check out Grandad’s Pride here.
‘My Shadow is Purple’ by Scott Stuart
This has become a favourite that is requested at every storytime.
We follow on from the amazing My Shadow is Pink (and soon My Shadow is Blue) in a new shadow adventure.
We lyrically learn of the journey to the school formal of someone who doesn’t fit in a binary box, and why that doesn’t matter.
Scott Stuart is hitting it out of the park with these books.
The simple way in which they allow a young person to express who they are is fantastic.
It leads to a great conversation about what colour your shadow might be and why
With My Shadow is Purple, we not only see an expersion and space for those that fit beyond the binary, but also the power of self expression.
Check out My Shadow is Purple here.
‘A House for Everyone’ written by Jo Hirst, Illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
This is a lovely story sharing a lunchtime on the playground that is beautifully illustrated.
A great way to share the diversity that exists in the world around us, aimed at children 4-8 years old.
It’s a simple way to remind young people that we all have a place to be seen and play.
The way visibility is shared in this story is great to read, but it can sometimes get lost on younger ages.
Animating my voice is the trick because this is a big one that resonates with the adults as well.
Everyone deserves to be seen for who they are.
I also love that this was written by an aussie parent who couldn’t see a book that represented their child in the world so made one.
And the intersectionality and diversity is very powerful.
Check out A House for Everyone here.
‘The Hips on the Drag Queen go Swish, Swish, Swish’ written by Lil Miss Hot Mess & illustrated by Olga de Dios
This has become a staple in my storytime selection.
Taking a camp twist on ‘The Wheels on the Bus’, this book’s a great way to break up any restless moment.
It is also a great way to get everyone singing and dancing together.
Whether you are teaching everyone how to shimmy, swish, or more, it is a fun approach for all ages to have a laugh and sing along.
Parents and kids aloiek have so much fun with this.
And the actions you create can be a hoot.
Check out The Hips on the Drag Queen… here.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
We're giving Microcosm publishing a try and so far we're in love! Look at these titles!
The shop will close from Jan 27th (this monday) so I can finish packing up, move, set up the new studio and take a bit of time to rest & refresh.
In the meantime - sale is still ongoing PLUS till monday only, get 10% extra off everything with the code JAN10 📚❤️ penfightdistro.com
I love my local queer bookstore Category Is Books, I love living in the Southside ♡
K at the queer bookshop | Category Is Books, Glasgow, October 2023
📸: Konica Pop AF + Kodak Ultramax
