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Monday, October 17, 2011

Birdie's Big Girl Dress, written and illustrated by Sujean Rim. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2011. $18.99 ages 3 and up


"Birdie's mother handed her a fabulously frilly sundress. It was beautiful - but it was too big to play games in. Next Birdie tried on a lacy sheath. It was silky and smooth - but it was too snug to eat cake in. So Birdie reached for a gauzy gown."

You know those fashionista girls who are going to love this story. I am sure they whet their appetite with Sujean Rim's first tale of the bright and delightful Birdie in Birdie's Big Girl Shoes.

Her birthday is just around the corner. When Birdie tries on the dress she wants to wear to her party...horrors! It's too small! Her mother is soothing and suggests a shopping trip. Off they go to their favorite shop, where they meet Birdie's friends who are also shopping for party dresses. They each have found the perfect thing!

Birdie is not so lucky. She tries on many...none of them are just right. Too big, too tight, too long. Birdie is disillusioned. Home she goes, hand in hand with her mother. She is sure she will find something there. A trip to the attic just might hold the answer to her dilemma. It is a veritable treasure trove of delight. She knows that everything there once belonged to her grandparents. Will she be able to find something in time for her party?

The illustrations are perfect! Done in watercolor and collage on watercolor paper, they pack a powerful punch in telling Birdie's story. Right this minute, my favorite is the double page spread showing Birdie and Monster, resplendent in goggle-eyed sunglasses and fully attentive, surveying the long model's runway of finery being offered. There are photographers all along that line (hmmm...they look like stuffed toys with fashion cameras). Give me a minute...I might change my mind!

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