Desert Queen

August 1, 2023
A young boy thrust into the role of breadwinner turns to his love of dance. Though Harish is entranced by the music and dance of his native Rajasthan, he is careful not to show how they affect him. Only when playing the Hindu god Krishna in a school play does he embrace the "flowing fabric / and dazzling jewels" that leave him feeling "shiny and / glittery and / NEW." When he and his sisters are orphaned, he performs in drag to make ends meet. His heart soars under the cover of night but is broken by the taunts he faces by day, living in a society with strict gender norms. This double life weighs on him, but his talent also earns him respect and praise. Based on the real-life story of drag performer Queen Harish (1979-2019), the narrative traces his pain and uncertainty and his joys and triumphs. Vibrant, kaleidoscopic illustrations inspired by the desert environs and the textiles, architecture, and artwork of the city of Jaisalmer capture the joyful dancer's whirling and swirling movements as he embodies another form: "Not / Boy OR girl. / Man OR woman. / But / fluid / flowing / like a dance / in between / and all around." Lyrical poetry mirrors the sounds and beats of the local folk music and complements the dreamlike visuals. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Evocative and electrifying. (author's and illustrator's notes, more information on Queen Harish) (Picture-book biography. 4-8)

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Starred review from October 16, 2023
Based on the life of drag performer Queen Harish (1979–2019), this powerful biographical picture book is both a celebration of art and a manifesto for living on one’s own terms. In the Thar Desert, where “there are lines in the sand/ that keep you in your place,” young Harish is enchanted by music, but taps his feet and sways his fingers “softly, so no one sees.” When he is orphaned soon after playing Lord Krishna at school, the youth begins performing to support himself and his sisters. On stage, the lines between genders blur—“SHE stands./ A goddess./ Shining, strong, proud.” Living two lives (“Jeers and insults in the day./ Acclaim and applause at night”), Harish devotes himself to the craft, enthralls international audiences, and comes to experience life not as “Boy OR girl./ Man OR woman./ But/ fluid/ flowing/ like a dance/ in between/ and all around.” Kohli’s vibrant, kaleidoscope-like illustrations duet in harmony with Rajan Gopal’s lyrical, rhythmic language. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from October 15, 2023
Grades K-4 *Starred Review* This one-of-a-kind picture book paints a stirringly intimate and reverential portrait of the late drag performer known as Queen Harish, the ""Whirling Desert Queen of Rajasthan."" It begins with a boy in a desert world, longing to dance but forced by shame to hide his charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. ""There are lines in the sand / that keep you in your place. / Boy OR girl. / Man OR woman."" But after losing his parents and having two sisters to support, the boy begins moonlighting as a traditional Rajasthani folk dancer, and it is in this nighttime persona--despite bigoted abuse in the day--that Harish finds acceptance, empowerment, and self-actualization as ""Not / Boy OR girl. / Man OR woman. / But / fluid / flowing / like a dance."" The tension of an oppressive gender binary is represented throughout in Kohli's dazzlingly layered geometric art, a cosmic kaleidoscope saturated by the stunning contrast of deep-as-night blues and charcoal oranges that conjure both the boy's inner conflict and the rich setting of the Indian desert. Gopal's spare text is relayed in verse, rhythmic and free as a dancer, evoking feeling in every foot, as good as any song. Back matter fleshes out some details of Harish's story. As gorgeous and indefinable as Queen Harish herself, this book belongs on every shelf.

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Starred review from December 8, 2023

PreS-Gr 3-Music flows through a child in the Thar Desert-and yet no one sees him dance. His binary "desert world" makes him choose boy or girl, nothing else. A school performance casts the child as Lord Krishna, and the beautiful costume offers a glimpse of freedom. As tragedy eventually strikes the boy and his family, he turns to drag. Dare he continue to be himself when not all accept him (or her)? Inspired by (and dedicated to) real-life drag performer Queen Harish, Gopal and Kohli's lyrical collaboration is a visual feast with a powerful message. Within the narrative, the child uses both he and she pronouns, typically referred to with he/him out of drag and she/her in drag. The spreads boast vivid colors and culturally-specific motifs. Back matter includes an author's note, artist's note, and additional information about Queen Harish. VERDICT With art as shiny and glittery as the goddess herself, this picture book is nothing short of brilliant. An essential purchase.-Alec Chunn

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