Free to Be Fabulous

by David McMullin, Robbie Cathro (Illustrator)

Overview

An exuberant and affirming picture book about self-expression, allyship, and celebrating differences.

Daniel is obsessed with his favorite pop star Fabulina and can’t wait to show off his signature shimmy-kick to her biggest hit “Strong, Brave, Free” at the school talent show. After winning the talent show, Daniel feels euphoric. But Daniel soon realizes that not everyone loves his shimmy-kick. The Mean notices with persistent jokes, whispering, and harmful words. Daniel begins to feel small, never wanting to shimmy-kick again. He hides. But with the help of his friends and his fans, Daniel emerges—all eyes on him—dancing in the face of the Mean, in solidarity with his classmates. Strong. Brave. Free.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063239685
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/30/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	640,159
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

David McMullin is a youth specialist with the Henderson, Nevada Public Libraries. He has also been an actor and a teacher! McMullin has published poetry and is now debuting as a picturebook writer. His greatest influences include animals, theater, ancient ruins, and food.

Robbie Cathro graduated in 2016, studying Illustration at the University of The West of England. Cathro’s first book, Be Your Own Man, was published in 2020, and since then, he has been working on Two Grooms on a Cake, and STEM books on physics and geology. 

Editorial Reviews

02/05/2024

Community support uplifts a bullied dancer in an exuberant celebration of self-acceptance. Daniel’s obsession with musician Fabulina inspires him to enter the school talent show, dancing to her hit “Strong, Brave, Free.” The crowd goes wild, and winning fills him with joy until, afterward, he’s noticed by “the Mean,” an amorphous red cloud with angry eyes that overtakes the cheerful art’s pink, purple, and gold hues with “Mean looks. Mean words. Mean jokes. Mean names.” Daniel wonders whether taking the spotlight was worth it, until a supportive teacher coaxes him out of hiding for a “fabulous” surprise. In Cathro’s digitally rendered illustrations, exaggerated facial expressions and body language capture sweeping emotions. McMullin leaves “the Mean” open to interpretation as external and/or internalized censure, highlighting the positive impact of acceptance. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

2024-02-03
A strong sense of self can’t shield a young boy from negativity.

Daniel is singer Fabulina’s biggest fan, and he loves to sing and dance to her hit song “Strong, Brave, Free” in his bedroom. When he learns that his school is having a talent show, he gladly signs up to sing his favorite song. After giving a passionate performance that cements his win, a joyful Daniel is met with wild applause. Despite the positive feedback, however, he’s soon overwhelmed by “The Mean,” a gaggle of red and purple ghostlike figures that represent “mean looks. Mean words. Mean jokes. Mean names.” Daniel retreats beneath a desk. Through the help of trusted teacher Mr. Edwards and a diverse group of supportive classmates, Daniel puts these negative feelings aside to gleefully dance and express his love for his beloved pop diva. Colorful digital illustrations capture the exuberant joys and the despondent lows Daniel experiences. The vague, existential nature of The Mean might go over the heads of some young readers, however, while those looking to use this story to navigate similar situations will likely find the tidy ending a bit unrealistic. Daniel is light-skinned with blue hair; Mr. Edwards presents Black.

Spirited illustrations carry a story that’s not quite fabulous. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews