I’m excited to celebrate the reveal of CK’s cover for their amazing and much-needed debut picture book, A COSTUME FOR CHARLY. I loved Charly the moment I met them, and teared up reading CK’s book and heartfelt dedication. They’ll both make a huge difference for so many people.
Congrats to CK, illustrator Alejandra Barajas, Beaming Books, and agent Dan Cramer for bringing A COSTUME FOR CHARLY into the world.
Get ready to gush over the cover!
Halloween has always been tricky for Charly, but this year they are determined to find a costume that represents their feminine and masculine identities equally. Digging through their costume box, Charly finds many fun costumes that could be for either girls or boys, but they all miss the mark. With trick-or-treat looming, they must think outside the box to find the perfect costume–a costume that will allow them to present as one hundred percent Charly.
As the world recognizes and welcomes diverse and intersecting identities, children are the most in need of freedom to explore and learn how to build a better, more inclusive society. This delightful, affirming picture book delivers a message that is accessible, educational, positive, and inclusive.
Welcome, CK. What inspired you to write A COSTUME FOR CHARLY?
Growing up, I knew already that I was both a boy and a girl but struggled as many in the community do to show others exactly how I felt. When I was 11 going on 12, I made my own costume with help from a mentor who understood exactly how I felt. It looked ridiculous, but it was the first time I felt like my truest self. I wore a ton of scarves and make-up but dressed in a tuxedo-like outfit. At this time, everyone thought make-up and scarves belonged on a girl and a tuxedo belonged on a boy. I went trick or treating with my friend group and some of them loved it even if they didn’t understand what I was trying to say about myself. Sadly, this was the last time I wore a costume as a child because those who didn’t understand stole my joy. Now, as an adult, I can wear what I want and I don’t care what anyone says. I have amazing people in my life who support me.
I’m so sorry that some who didn’t understand stole your joy. (((Hugs))) Nobody should have that happen to them. I believe A COSTUME FOR CHARLY will help show children how to treasure what makes them joyful.
What surprised you most on your journey to publish this important story?
What surprised me the most is the fact I wrote this story at all. While there is happiness to the memory, trauma/ PTSD tinges much of my childhood. It took a lot to write this picture book, and I had to stop quite a few times because typing the words drove me into bouts of deep depression. Luckily, my champions and fiercest advocates–Dan Cramer, Cherrita Lee, Beaming Books, and people like YOU–were there every step of the way to guide me through the process.
I’m here for you. Always! And I’m so proud of your bravery, openness, and perseverance. When I first started writing, I honestly had no idea why published authors said you have to open a vein. Especially for a picture book! It can hurt to dig this deep…but your lived experiences have made this a powerful story. One that will make a big difference.
Charly has trouble finding a costume that feels right for them. What were your favorite costumes as a child? What would be an amazing costume for you now?
Aside from the costume I created, I would say my favorite costume was a ghoul costume. My mom took an old sheet and created a sack-like costume that left my face exposed. She painted my skin so there were all the wrinkles and such. When she was done, she told me to go look in the mirror. When I saw myself, I got so scared that I cried and refused to go outside. It’s one of my favorites now because I realized later just how much time she took to make it and that she didn’t question when I rebuffed everyone’s attempts at putting me into a princess costume. She knew all along exactly who I was.
A costume for me now is anything I can combine to show my students my identity. To be honest, I like wearing lipstick and a mustache quite a bit and slicking back my hair. As for an actual costume, I’m always down for a scary clown costume.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to the children who will read your book?
I wrote this for you and all the other children like you who know they are beyond the binary. What you feel isn’t wrong because you were born this way.
I love that, CK. What would you like to say to the parents, teachers, and other important people in their lives?
Some people–famous and not–believe children “choose” the Trans or nonbinary identity. This is categorically incorrect. Children realize very early on that they are different in some way. They might not know the exact wording for their identities but they feel it. Allow them to explore the concept of identity and don’t pigeonhole them into a distinct category. There are numerous identities under the Trans and nonbinary umbrella. Share these identities with the children and allow them to express to you which one is their identity. And if they are not ready to choose, allow them the space and understanding to do what they need to do until they decide. Also, one of the best things you can do is find an LGBTQIA2+ therapist–bonus if they identify–for your child to speak to throughout the process and beyond.
Thanks for sharing such helpful advice.
After all your hard work, you have a cover. And now the entire world is going to see it and meet Charly soon. How does that feel?
Extremely scared but also exhilarated. There are going to be people who hate me for writing this. There will be counties and states who ban this book. I’m debating on if I even want to have my email attached to my website because I don’t currently have the bandwidth for hate mail as I did last year. Yet, I’m exhilarated because this book will reach the children it needs to reach. That is more important than my fear and any backlash I will face.
Yes–that is incredibly important. And you know there are a ton of us who will be cheering you and Charly on every step of the way.
What are you working on now?
I have another book I’m waiting to announce that has nothing to do with identity. In fact, of all the picture books I’m currently editing with Dan, only one has to do with identity. I’m very fortunate he doesn’t push me to only write identity books because they are “hot” right now (many people in my life try to make me do this and it irks me to no end). We are working on edits for a found family PB and a couple of others.
Congrats on your second book. I can’t wait to hear the details when you can shout them out. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My illustrator, Alejandra Barajas, is extremely talented! Cherrita snapped her up because both our visions as to how the illustrations should look jived with Alejandra’s portfolio. Publishers, hire her!!!
And, beginning on August 29th, I will have my preorder campaign for CHARLY. Stay tuned to learn about the prizes as well as how CHARLY will be giving back to my community!
Yay! I can’t wait to hear the details, CK. Thanks for stopping by my blog to celebrate. Huge congrats again on the cover reveal for A COSTUME FOR CHARLY! I can’t wait for it to release on September 6th, 2022.
CK (they/them) is super proud of being a bigender neurodiverse kidlit author. When they aren’t writing, you’ll find them speaking, teaching, cooking, singing in church, learning the language of their grandmother, playing music, and shooting hoops. They enjoy a relatively calm life with those they love.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win:
Critique package from agent Dan Cramer (query + PB crit) [Winner: Brandy Bellittera]
Critique package from CK (query + PB crit) [Winner: Jennifer Brennise] a Rafflecopter giveaway
The winners will be listed here and shouted out on Twitter on Tuesday, March 22. Good luck!
*Reminder that the next PBParty New Draft Challenge & Critique Train will be on March 24, EST. I hope you’ll join us!
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