The Fabulous Edweena

by Edwin Dumont, Melissa Cho (Illustrator)

Overview

Edwin loves his sister Patsy’s closet. He adores dresses and earrings and boots with high heels. And when he’s finished getting dressed, Edwin is transformed…into the fabulous Edweena!

Today is the figure skating competition at school and Edwin has decided to compete as Edweena. What will people say when they meet her for the first time? Can a boy in drag win the competition? Edweena will have to give her best performance ever to find out!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781772604047
Publisher:	Second Story Press
Publication date:	03/18/2025
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Edwin Dumont was born in Parry Sound to a family with Ojibway heritage. He has always been called Edweena. Cinderella said, “A dream is a wish your heart makes,” and Edwin's dream of being a writer came true. He owns a hair salon and lives with his husband in Toronto. 

Melissa Cho is a multi-hyphenated Korean-Canadian creative designer based in Toronto, Ontario. Having built a career in illustration and animation, she celebrates the ebbs and flows of life and holds a passion for intentional and charming storytelling. She keeps busy through personal creative ventures, from handmade crafts to traditional illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

"In this gentle tale, a young figure skater named Edwin borrows his sister’s clothes for competition….In a unique narrative choice, readers never learn if Edweena wins the competition. The self-confidence and acceptance gained throughout the story are the true rewards. VERDICT A heartwarming story that will enrich any collection."

School Library Journal

"A figure-skating competition offers an opportunity for a child to explore individual expression in this personal-feeling picture book by Dumont, who is of Ojibway heritage....Edwin transforms into Edweena Louisa: it’s 'the first time my classmates will see me wear a dress and heels.' Fearing disapproval despite the excitement, Edweena heads to the rink, where affirming reactions lead to the triumphant child feeling that 'I’ve already won.' Cho’s scratchy, star-splashed illustrations portray would-be naysayers using monochromatic filters, while Edweena appears vibrant on every page."

Publishers Weekly

"This delightful picture book shows Edwin and Edweena, each fabulous in whatever they choose to wear…. Cho’s artwork is the perfect accompaniment to the text. Bright and bold at times, soft and whimsical at others, and even timid—the illustrations underscore the story’s emotions. Especially evocative is the joy of seeing a kid be true to who they are."

Booklist

"This picture book addresses important themes of self-acceptance and encouragement of others... This is a sweet and positive story."

CM Reviews

"A heartening, picture-book introduction to drag….The book’s illustrations are bright, celebratory, and full of movement, though at times, in contrast, there are shadows in the background of the people who make Edwin anxious. Cho makes sure the reader remembers that it is Edwin who is underneath Edweena’s fabulous appearance. Though his drag is beautiful, it is Edwin’s bravery and confidence that we most admire and learn from."

Quill & Quire

"Many emerging writers out there hold on closely to the dream of being a published author, and it is always inspiring when an artist with a distinct voice and a story to tell achieves that dream…This lively and inspiring book has been released in both an English language edition, with incredible illustrations by Melissa Cho, and there is an English and Anishinaabemowin edition, with translations by Angela Mesic and Margaret Noodin."

Open Book