Hats off to Kelly Lyons. Her book about mother-daughter bonds hits the Charlotte stage
As we step into Women’s History Month, a hat tip goes to Mae Reeves and Mildred Blount, whose fashion talent places them among women entrepreneurs worthy of note.
Reeves and Blount are among many Black women who contributed to the rich tradition of millinery — fancy hat making.
Reeves was 104 when she died in 2016. She was the first woman of color to open a custom made millinery shop in Philadelphia. A true trailblazer, Reeves’ business served as a template for many women aspiring to careers in millinery.
Meanwhile, Blount also excelled with the crowning glory of hat fashion for New York elites and celebrities, including actors in the iconic Hollywood film “Gone With The Wind.”
The art of millinery also is a tradition passed down from mothers to daughters, which author Kelly Starling Lyons captures in a children’s book called “Tiara’s Hat Parade.”
.jpg "Kelly-headshot-2-1024x1024 (1).jpg")
The book comes alive on stage at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte playing through Sunday, March 9. It tells the story of Tiara and celebrates a unique mother and daughter bond. The book was adopted as a part of the theater’s Kindness Project, which celebrates kindness. The Charlotte Observer previously wrote about the project.
The Charlotte Observer spoke with Lyons about her book and why she was inspired to write it.
Can you tell us a little about your background, connection to Charlotte and your career as a writer/author?
I celebrated my 20th anniversary as a children’s book author last year. I’ve written more than 30 books that span easy readers, picture books and chapter books, nonfiction and fiction. My mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the stories they hold inside. I’ve been blessed to win awards for my work including a Christopher Award for Tiara’s Hat Parade. Some kids may know my series. I write the “Jada Jones” and “Miles Lewis” chapter books and the “Ty’s Travels” easy readers. I live in Raleigh and have come to Charlotte many times over the years to do programs at schools, libraries and the Gantt Center. Grateful for the support of the Charlotte community and thrilled to have a book adapted into a play for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
Please share what the theater’s Kindness Project is about?
As I understand it, The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte started the Kindness Project in 2016 to commission original plays that celebrate kindness and to help spread that value to children. Tiara’s Hat Parade is the sixth in the series. I’m honored to have the theatrical adaptation, written by Paige Hernandez, be part of that important tradition.
.jpg "Tiara’sHatParadepic (1).jpg")
What is your book about and what is your inspiration to write it?
Tiara’s Hat Parade is about a girl whose mother creates wonderful hats for ladies in the community. Tiara loves when the women gather and she gets to model her momma’s creations. Then, a big box store opens that sells hats cheaper than Tiara’s mom. When she has to shutter her business, Dad picks up extra hours (at his job) and Momma tucks her dream away. But Tiara holds the hats close to her heart and finds a way to bring the magic back for everyone.
The book was inspired by the rich hat-wearing tradition in the Black community and the many Black women milliners whose stories deserve to be told. I patterned the mother-daughter relationship after the one I share with my mom. She bought me a black felt hat with a wide brim as a teen. I wore it proudly and felt like the hat made a statement before I said a word. I wanted my story to show the beauty of family, community, Black women-owned businesses and the power of faith in action. The lovely illustrations by Nicole Tadgell capture that and more.
Can you share how works like this one and in the theater help families, especially BIPOC families with young children?
It’s so important for kids to see themselves in stories. Tiara loves her family. She’s curious and helpful. She values the hat tradition she has learned from her mom and has seen in church. She finds a way to preserve her mom’s dream. I hope children who attend the play take away that they are heroes too. An act of kindness can be a light for the world. It’s crucial for BIPOC children to know that they deserve to be the stars of stories and that they have the power within to create change. Every part of the play is intentional. I love the projections that salute trailblazing Black women milliners Vanilla Beane, Mildred Blount and Mae Reeves and show that the elementary school is named for Dr. Dorothy I. Height and share that she’s a women’s rights and civil rights hero who loved her hats. The play reinforces why kindness matters, showcases Black history and honors family, the arts and community.
Anything else you’d like to add and what are your next projects?
Artistic director Adam Burke brought together an amazing team to work on the play. Everyone is phenomenal. Lydia plays more than eight characters and makes you feel each one. It has been incredible seeing my book go from the page to the stage. Thankful for Adam, director Angelisa Gillyard, Paige, Lydia and all who made this production possible. The adaptation of Tiara’s Hat Parade was co-commissioned by four other children’s theaters and will travel to Greenville, SC (debuts April 2026), Orlando, FL, Madison, WI and Omaha, NE over the next several years.
What’s next for me? My chapter book, Miles Lewis: Pet SItter, debuted a couple weeks ago. This summer, there will be a new adventure in my Ty’s Travels series, Super Ty. He’s a superhero and community helper. In 2026, I’ll have a new picture book, Lyric’s Favorite Season, a rhyming, soulful ode to the seasons. Readers can learn more about my work at http://www.kellystarlinglyons.com. Thanks so much for the chance to share.
Want to go?
What: “Tiara’s Hat Parade” - Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Adapted from the book by Kelly Starling Lyons. Ages 7 and up.
Time: Day and evening shows now through Sat., March 9.
Where: Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 East 7th St.
Ticket information maybe found here.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
