Carlos is thrilled to travel to Panama’s countryside with his parents. He is most excited about the Carnival stories his parents tell him. But when Carlos wants to join his cousins as fairies on the queen’s float he finds out that boys are not allowed. Thankfully, he has a brilliant abuela with a bright idea!
A tale of family support, Carlos, the Fairy Boy expands a Carnival tradition to include a young boy while bringing light to the talented men who make the queen’s gowns gorgeous.
About the Author & Illustrator
Juan A. Ríos Vega is a queer Latino educator and researcher from Panama who loves to write, read, and make things, especially puppets. This is his first children’s book and he’s already dreaming up his next one! He currently teaches in the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership at Bradley University and is an active member in the Association for Jotería Arts, Activism, and Scholarship (AJAAS).
Praise for Carlos, The Fairy Boy
“a feast for the eyes and a balm for our hearts! “
“Stories like these heal on so many levels. It calls in our ancestors and allies who have been erased. It calls in the real people making our world beautiful, often behind the scenes. And it makes space for the Carlos in each of us wanting to fly freely in life. Viva ALL the fairies!”
