When Dyson Kilodavis played dress up at daycare, he chose a red sparkly sequined dress. The next day came a yellow dress. His mother became concerned that Dyson would be bullied and alienated by his peers.
So Cheryl Kilodavis began a journey to understand her son and his love of shiny pink dresses. As part of her journey, Kilodavis wrote the book My Princess Boy.
The nonfiction picture book is about acceptance. It tells the tale of 4-year-old Dyson who happily expresses his authentic self. He enjoys “traditional girl” things like jewelry, sparkles or anything pink. Kilodavis wrote it to start and continue a dialogue about unconditional friendship and to teach children—and adults— how to accept and support children for who they are and how they wish to look.
“The only message you get out there is that there is a gender confusion issue,” Kilo-davis said. “I wanted to make sure he was happy and healthy…. It’s all about acceptance.”
The book is being used at Dyson’s school and the teachers have rallied behind the boy. In light of all the focus on bullying at schools, the story of Dyson offers an original avenue of hope.
For more information or to purchase the book, visit www.my-princessboy.com.
