Free to Be Fabulous

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.

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.