D Is for Dress Up

April 4, 2016
Even children who don’t yet know the alphabet are well acquainted with the routine of getting dressed. In this sartorial abecedary, Carluccio (I’m Three! Look What I Can Do) presents a multicultural crew of children whose outfits highlight clothing items, fabrics, patterns, and more. From everyday “glasses” and “overalls” to special occasions (on Halloween, a fairy, witch, and vampire show off their “costumes” while students wear “leotards” during a dance class), Carluccio’s grainy, digital illustrations create soft, layered scenes for every occasion; her experience working in textile design shows in her assortment of clothing types, patterns, and prints worked into the images. It’s a stylish apron-to-zipper primer that proves that there are many ways to look great, whatever your style. Ages 3–5. Agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

June 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-A book for budding fashion lovers. Carluccio celebrates all different types of clothing, fabric, and accessories. She depicts various articles of clothing, such as bow ties, jeans, leotards, overalls, and underwear, showing outfits for everyday and special occasions. Even the trickier letters are well represented: V is for vintage, X for x-stitch, Y for yoga pants, and Z for zippers. Charming digital illustrations portray children of various ethnicities engaging in indoor and outdoor activities. Clothing is detailed and appears to have texture. Children will enjoy looking at the spreads as well as guessing what apparel will come next with the corresponding letter. VERDICT Perhaps not a first choice for learning the alphabet, but this is a fun and stylish alternative A-to-Z compendium for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

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