Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming celebration of homemade gifts from the heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Chloe spots the perfect gift for her best friend's birthday -- but another girl named London beats her to it, so Chloe decides to make a present instead. Chloe is good at crafting, but she worries her homemade present won't be nice enough for Emma.
Is It Any Good?
Chloe is a resourceful heroine, and her creative drive is inspiring. Kids probably will relate to her insecurity as she prepares for Emma's party, even if the idea that someone might look down on a homemade gift is a new concept for them. London, with her superior, hip attitude, unfortunately will be all too familiar to girls in early elementary school.
One nit: The mean-girls undercurrent adds a sour note to CRAFTY CHLOE. Chloe is portrayed as an outsider, uncomfortable with typical kid pursuits such as video games, dance classes, and sports and easy prey for catty London. This will resonate with many readers, but it would have been nice to have a more secure heroine or a less flimsy adversary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes a good gift. What kinds of presents can you give that can't be purchased in a toy store? Families also can talk about the importance of thoughtful gift-giving.
Families can share craft time together, inspired by the book. A related website shows how to make some of the projects Chloe works on.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Heather Ross
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Atheneum
- Publication date : February 21, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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