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The Yellow Tutu
- By Kirsten Bramsen
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Exuberant, earnest friendship tale.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know there’s nothing to worry about it in this book. Margo’s classmates greet her with jeers when she arrives at school with her tutu on her head, and one child tries to pull it off her head. Margo stays positive, however, and a friend sticks with her.
What's the story?
Margo is thrilled to get a yellow tutu as a gift on her birthday. She delights herself by putting it on her head and wears it to school. Imagining herself as the sun, she’s eager to show her classmates. But Margo is taken aback when they laugh at her, calling her names and trying to pull it off. But her friend Pearl steps forward and says she likes it -- and invites her to play.
Is it any good?
Sisters Kirsten -- the author -- and Carin -- the illustrator -- Bramsen offer up an earnest book on imagination, individuality, peer pressure, and standing by your friends. The reaction of Margo’s classmates strikes true, and the image of Margo with knees bent in, clutching her beloved tutu to her head, will resonate with kids. Margo is resilient: Though hurt and sad, she doesn’t for a second reconsider the appeal of wearing her tutu on her head.
But the entire package comes across as a bit sticky-sweet and pat. Margo reacts to the teasing with tears, but doesn’t utter a sharp word back. When Pearl comes to her defense, the kids stop in their tracks, astonished. Unlikely events, as any playground veteran knows. The soft-focus paintings of shiny-eyed, pink-cheeked children coat the whole thing with a feel-good gloss that will appeal to kids but is too sweet for grown-up tastes.
Sweet, but veering toward saccharine. The soft-focus paintings of shiny-eyed, pink-cheeked children coat the
whole thing with a feel-good gloss that will appeal to kids, but is too
sweet for grown-up tastes.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about teasing. Have you ever been surprised and hurt by teasing? Have you ever felt badly seeing someone else get teased? What happened? How might you be able to handle it the next time it happens?
Tutus are normally worn for dancing, but Pearl and Margo come up with many creatives ways to use their tutus. Find something for dress-up play -- a funny hat, a grown-up’s shirt, a scarf -- and see where your imagination takes you.
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AGE
A wonderful story with an important message
My daughter enjoyed this book immensely as did her friends. I found it to be very realistic, believable and would recommend it highly. I must say that the review seems slightly critical in the sense that the reviewer purports to be an expert on playground behavior when in fact, negative encounters vary with different individuals. As far as the 'one bomb' review for scariness, this particular negative encounter is a common one that all children must learn to navigate.
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| Author: | Kirsten Bramsen |
| Illustrator: | Carin Bramsen |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | Random House Books for Young Readers |
| Publication date: | September 22, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 40 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 6 |
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