Big Wig

by Jonathan Hillman, Levi Hastings (Illustrator)

In the spirit of Julián Is a Mermaid, this irrepressible picture book celebrates drag kids, individuality, and self-confidence from the perspective of a fabulous wig!

When a child dresses in drag to compete in a neighborhood costume competition, they become B. B. Bedazzle! A key part of B.B. Bedazzle’s ensemble is a wig called Wig. Together they are an unstoppable drag queen team! But Wig feels inadequate compared to the other, bigger wigs. When Wig flies off B. B.’s head, he goes from kid to kid instilling confidence and inspiring dreams in those who wear him:

Wig remembers what wigs can do.
Wig brushes the world,
bolder,
brighter
hues.
Wig hears whispered wishes…
and turns them into
something true.
The bigger their dreams,
the bigger Wig seems.

This wonderful read aloud celebrates the universal childhood experience of dressing up and the confidence that comes with putting on a costume. And it goes further than that, acknowledging that sometimes dressing differently from how we were born is how we become our truest and best selves.

Genres: Picture Books, LGBT, Childrens, Fiction, Queer, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

Jonathan Hillman is the author of BIG WIG, which garnered national attention when it was selected for the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program's reading list, and THE WISHING MACHINE (out October 17, 2023). A graduate of Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults (MFAC) program, he lives near Minneapolis with his cat, Dot.

Reviews

[Jerecho · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun book. Nothing more...

People don't have to worry about reading this book. And there's nothing wrong with reading. If you are afraid to be influence, then I guess the problem is in you, not the book.

We are created with minds of our own. We can think and decide. You can't be one or someone if you just read a book. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with the book. Just the one who's so perfect that thinks that a book can influence someones decision in the future. Maybe you should GROW UP...

Have fun everyone and stay healthy. 😊

[Eric Rosswood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun picture book about feeling small when being in the presence of people who are big. It covers stage fright, nervousness, and finding your inner confidence. Oh, and of course, there are drag queens! This would be the perfect story for Drag Queen Story Hour.

[*JEN the booknerd* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story book about a fabulous wig featuring baby drag queens!! Slay, children, slay!!

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and fun! Wig is part of B. B. Bedazzle! B. B. Bedazzle goes to a Big Wig Ball and has so much fun! Check out what a big wig can do!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this ARC from a bookseller friend who knows my current obsession with drag queens!

This was such a fun story that will surely appeal to lots of kids who like to dress up, even if they don't do pageants or kiddie drag shows. When B.B. Bedazzle enters a Big Wig competition with their lovely Wig, their confidence in the bigness of Wig falters. But B.B. only has to see how Wig transforms others to be reminded of their own fierceness. Super cute and absolutely fabulous!

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay to me. I loved seeing drag performativity being represented and celebrated in a picture book, but found the plot confusing. I kept wishing that this was just a rhyming celebration of the power, fun, and joy of wigs and drag, rather than a confusing and, honestly, kind of contrived story.

Themes: Drag, Queerness, Gender performativity, Self love
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten

[Darcie Caswell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not love this

[Daisy Rain Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, uplifting story Mr. Hillman has given to the world! I think every kid has an internal tape recorder that plays and replays every negative perception they have of themselves. I certainly did. But there are children, young people, and grown adults in America right now who are subjected to a multitude of hostile voices outside themselves who fill their heads and hearts with hateful messages that denigrate them for simply being who they are. It is a deadly narrative. Enter: WIG, who flies from one child to another with affirmations and acceptance. I want to share Wig with EVERYONE! Jonathan Hillman's Wig whispers hope into the hearts of kids. I'm buying this book for my grandbabies! Levi Hastings' illustrations are FABULOUS!!!

[Jennifer Worrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The protagonist is a wig, not even the child wearing it, which is a fun, creative surprise. It's all about how clothes, makeup, and accessories give us confidence and presence, allowing us to transform into someone bigger. It's no different than when children play dress-up or stuff fake muscles under their superhero costumes. Or, frankly, when adults put on power suits.

I started reading this for my book club to see why it's getting so much flak. As usual, the haters are bats.

[Lisa Hedger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been controversial and I think it's essential to review it to let people know that it's such a lovely and wonderful book. The overall message of living your truth - shining in the way that works best for you - is one that all should celebrate. And, I'm completely baffled by the controversy. Please always read a book before making a decision. This book is a treasure that I hope many children can discover.

[Jorge Lacera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never seen a story told from the point of view of a wig! Really enjoyed this celebration of self-acceptance, cos-play, confidence, and dressing up the way that feels right to you. Kids will light up at the great character expressions, colors and action-packed art.

[Nathan Bartos · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art was very cute, but the story was a little meh.

[Brittany Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Wig by Jonathan Hillman, illustrated by Levi Hastings is a grand story, written in magnificent, lyrical text, about how one wig transforms B.B. into B.B. Bedazzle! B.B. Bedazzle is the ‘most fabulous queen’ when they place wig on their head and hit the stage. Wig glimmers, glows and twirls and so does B.B. Bedazzle, until wig comes wig to wig with the BIG WIGS who seem to be grander. For a moment, B.B’s wig loses confidence, and so does B.B. Comparison steps in but not for long. When wig plops back on B.B.’s head, the confidence exudes like never before. Wig and B.B. Bedazzle realize exactly who they are. Incredible. Extraordinary. Together, they can do anything.

[Nicole Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a delightful, rollicking, empowering story of friendship and pure fabulousness! When B.B.Bedazzle, puts on Wig, they both sparkle and twirl at the Big Wig Ball. But when Wig experiences a moment of insecurity for not being as big as the other wigs, the support and encouragement of the community brightens her spirits and reminds her that what matters is to be there for her friend—and that it's being together that makes them both big.

This rhyming story of self-confidence, community support, and best friends, is sure to please and invite endless creative sessions of dress-up and sparkles for all the littles (and full-grown kids-at-heart, too) :)

[Eija · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love BIG WIG! Wig flies and swooshes, building up everyone she touches. This is a fun and uplifting story about having fun, believing in yourself, and being big enough no matter your size.

This would be great for storytime read aloud!

I love the magical illustrations and the transformations that wig goes through, the movement on the page is fun and exciting. And perfect fodder for read aloud fun as wig bounces and boings, plops and swooshes.

A fun and beautiful book bursting with imagination and confidence.

[Ellie Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who can personify a wig and have you rooting for it to find its confidence and win the big competition? Jonathan Hillman! A great story for kids who love dress up with a message about being your true self and never letting others make you feel inadequate.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All we need is a little encouragement to follow our dreams! This message is shared with fabulous, fun, and vibrant illustrations.

[Lil Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun tale of the magic of drag -- perfect for kids of all ages, and for your local Drag Queen Story Hour, whether at the library or in the fierce comfort of your own home.

[Y.Poston]

a very fun romp, with a pretty "big" wig!

[Megan Lacera · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG WIG is a vibrant, colorful adventure told from the point of view of a wig. Not just any wig; B.B. Bedazzle's wig, "the most fabulous queen, by far." Wig sometimes doubts their greatness however, especially when compared to even bigger wigs. It's not until Wig fully sees just how much Wig helps B.B Bedazzle shine in big, big ways that Wig finally gets it. Wig is a Big Wig, no matter their size.

The Bold, electric illustrations are full of energy; they'll hook young readers from the first page. A great book for teaching about points of view, being true to yourself, and recognizing your own power.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A youth is prepping for a Costume Competition with a big wig named wig. Their stage name is B.B. Bedazzle!
However, B.B. Bedazzle is worried. All of the other wigs are so much bigger, more complex or fanciful than B.B.'s wig.
A very cute story about identity affirmation and chasing one's dreams and the reality that you are more than enough.
Hillman gives us a fun story and illustrator Levi Hastings blasts us with colors, elaborate looks and bold emotions.

A cute read aloud for Pride Month!

[Laura Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A snappy yet lyrical text paired with vibrant illustrations makes for a sparkling story. Wig sits atop the fabulous B.B. Bedazzle, but sometimes, Wig doesn't feel very big. Eventually, Wig wigs out and flies away! But as Wig lands atop new heads and inspires confidence in each wig-wearer, Wig's confidence grows, too. An important story about being true to yourself and believing in what you're made of. I can't say enough about the fun text and incredible illustrations. Wig will take you on a ride!

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a gorgeous wig is telling the story, you know you are in for a ride! Jonathan Hillman’s sparkling, rhyming text takes readers through Wig’s transformation from feeling small to feeling tall, from being overwhelmed by other magnificent wigs to realizing their own gift to transform and bedazzle. Levi Hastings’ illustrations glimmer and glow, lending sizzle to this super-sweet story about being true to yourself and rocking your individuality! This is a book you should add to your bookshelf.

[Lori Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG WIG is so much fun, how I wish I had a ticket to the Big Wig Ball! Kids will love this bright, fast-paced, rhyming tale of finding confidence no matter your size. Great for group story-time or one-on-one sharing.

[Elizabeth Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! Jonathan Hillman's text is full of action and fun language, and it's a very engaging story. The bright, colorful illustrations pop on the page. Children will love this picture book, and it will add so much to your classroom or library!

[Lisa Riddiough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so full of love and life! Wig is a little nervous about The Big Wig Ball. All the other wigs are so big, and Wig feels small. But when Wig brings confidence to so many, she feels larger than life. The illustrations in this book are a study in pure happiness. The colors and characters are vibrant and lively. Wig's person, B.B. Bedazzle, has an especially supportive family that helps Wig live up to her full potential. Favorite line: "Wig hears whispered wishes and turns them into something true." What a bright and joyful book!

[Valerie Bolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book with a great message. I love that this story is told from the perspective of a wig, but clearly illustrates how some people feel they are just not enough even when they are.

[Devorah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and brilliant. The illustrations are delightful.

[Alison N · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous reminder of what makes you stand out and how big your dreams can be, all through a drag queen ball and a wig with a mind of its own.

[Veronica Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dazzling book about being true to yourself!