Robin’s Worlds

PreS-Gr 2–Transgender actor/producer/activist Richards notably improves transgender writer’s Oet’s debut picture book, her thoughtful, caring voice impressively smoothing over awkward, disjointed transitions. For home-alone Robin, tonight is “just like any other night,” waiting for Uncle Miles after another “leftover bean-fry for dinner an hour ago.” At least the magical Cat-Headed Wanderer remembered that today is Robin’s eighth birthday, whisking Robin “somewhere warm and wonderful” via purple-horsed chariot to celebrate with “everyone from [their] dreams,” including “two tall shadows,” assumed to be their late parents. “I remember you… I love you,” they’re able to tell them. While everyone waves good-bye, Cat-Headed Wanderer assuringly whispers, “we exist in the real world. There are so many of us/ You just have to find us.”