A Mardi Gras-themed children's book was the perfect way to start Rainbow Storytime at Wollongong library on Saturday morning.
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Wrestle! was among the books brought to life by Wollongong drag queen Roxee Horror, aka Adam Larkham, who ran the show for the second year running.
Roxee, along with Sam Watkins on ukulele, enthralled the crowd with stories, rhymes, games and songs.
For one member of the crowd - 10-year-old Jack Khan who goes by Jackaranda when in drag - it was a chance to see his hero in action.
"Jack calls Roxee his drag mum," Jack's mum Allison said, "so we've come to support her, to see what she does and to learn that it's okay to be yourself."
A sentiment mirrored by others in the audience, such as Marie Armstrong-Smith, who brought her teenage children to the event.
"I've always believed children should enjoy diverse experiences so they grow up resilient, and knowing they can be accepted as they are."
Library and community services manager Jenny Thompson said it was a popular part of Wollongong City Libraries Pride Month celebrations.
"We want to ensure that libraries are inclusive places, where everyone is welcome," she said.
"We have a charter to deliver services that celebrate the whole community - and in our community there are lots of rainbow families."
Last year, when the drag storytime event debuted, Ms Thompson said there had been some backlash on social media - but plenty of support too.
"We ended up getting 300 to 400 people to the event," she said.
"This year we've been well supported again and the audience just loves Roxee."
For the storyteller, it's been a humbling experience.
"Drag is becoming more mainstream. It's good to see something different - it challenges you.
"This is about diversity and inclusion - and I just love being part of it."