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I Had a Favorite Dress

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( 1,109 ratings, 186 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn is a delightful children's story about a young girl who cherishes her favourite dress but grows out of it. Instead of discarding the dress, her mother creatively transforms it into various new garments, teaching her daughter a valuable lesson about change and adaptability. This heartwarming tale celebrates resourcefulness and the special bond between a parent and child.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this delightful children's book if you appreciate charming stories about creativity and adaptation. With a focus on the evolving style of a young girl and her beloved dress, it teaches children about change, resourcefulness, and the beauty of memories. Perfect for young readers who love colourful illustrations and uplifting narratives.

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I Had a Favorite Dress

A picture book that shows the evolution of the main character's favourite dress from dress to shirt to tank top to memento. It tells of the story which is structured around the days of the week, and is also illustrated to show the passing of the seasons.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Open up a fresh and stylish story about growing up and keeping hold of your favourite memories. As the year passes, the narrator's favourite dress goes through a series of creative changes, from dress to shirt to tank top to scarf and so on, until all that's left of it is a good memory. Assisted by her patient and crafty mama, the narrator finds that when disaster strikes her favourite things, she doesn't need to make mountains out of molehills—she "makes molehills out of mountains" instead!

Structured around the days of the week, the story is also illustrated to show the passing of the seasons, a perfect complement to the themes of growing older and keeping hold (and letting go) of special mementos.

I Had a Favorite Dress has received praise for its delightful storytelling:

"A spunky story about adjusting to change with creativity and style. Tailor-made, so to speak, for the Etsy generation of DIY enthusiasts." - Publishers Weekly

"Everyone is smiling in the buoyant confections created by illustrator Julia Denos—including, it's fair to say, young readers looking at them. Endearing picture book." - Wall Street Journal

"What could have been yet another example of kindergarten consumerism instead becomes one of resourcefulness and resilience." - New York Times

"Denos's multimedia illustrations reinforce the narrator's vibrant personality and the amazing transformations of the dress while capturing the action and emotion of the story. This book is sure to capture the imaginations of would-be seamstresses; children who can't bear to part with a favourite item; and those who want to reduce, reuse, recycle." - School Library Journal

"Breezy in style, they smartly stitch each scene of alteration as the not-so-little girl sashays through the days of the week and the seasons. A charming interpretation of an old story that will speak to young fashionistas." - Kirkus Reviews

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn is celebrated for its charming, rhythmic storytelling and vibrant, whimsical illustrations. Reviewers appreciate the book's creative take on growing up and adaptability, noting how it captures a young girl's journey in transforming her beloved dress into various new garments. The story is lauded for its themes of change and resourcefulness, appealing to both children and parents alike.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781419700163

Publisher: Abrams

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 August 2011

Country: United States

Imprint: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Julia Denos

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 11.0mm

Width: 225.0mm

Height: 274.0mm

Weight: 440g

Pages: 32

About the Author

Boni Ashburn is the author of Hush, Little Dragon and Over at the Castle. She lives in Houghton, Michigan, with her four children.

Julia Denos is the acclaimed illustrator of Dotty, by Erica S. Perl. She lives in Quincy, Massachusetts.

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