Come to Drag Queen Story Hour and Sparkle Party at the Forbes Library on Saturday, October 28, at 11:00 A.M.!

Children of all ages are invited to wear their sparkly, shimmery, glittery best and join local author and former Northampton poet laureate Lesléa Newman along with local drag queen entertainer Jenayah De Rosario for Drag Queen Story Hour!

The Forbes Library is excited to be hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour, which is exactly what it sounds like: Drag Queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. According to the Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) website, https://www.dragqueenstoryhour.org  “DQSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, and where dress up is real.” Drag Queen Story Hour was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco, and now takes place in communities all over the world.

Lesléa Newman and Jenayah De Rosario will read picture books that celebrate everyone’s right to sparkle and shine including Lesléa Newman’s latest picture book, Sparkle Boy.

Sparkle Boy tells the story of Casey and his older sister, Jessie. Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, and he also loves things that shimmer, glitter, and sparkle. Jessie thinks shimmery, glittery, sparkly things are only for girls. Or are they? This sweet and refreshing story speaks to us all about acceptance, respect, and the simple freedom to be yourself.

After the reading, there will be a sparkly art activity, face painting, and book signing.

Lesléa Newman is the author of 70 books for readers of all ages including the children’s books, Heather Has Two Mommies, The Boy Who Cried Fabulous, and Ketzel the Cat Who Composed. From 2008 – 2010, she served as the poet laureate of Northampton.

Jenayah De Rosario is a charismatic queen with a big heart and lots of love for the community. She is an extraordinary entertainer who performs regularly throughout the Pioneer Valley and hosts a monthly Drag Queen Bingo Party at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke, MA.