Common Sense Media Review
Typical preschool struggle beautifully illustrated.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Ella Sarah knows exactly what she wants to wear: pink polka-dot pants, a dress with orange and green flowers, purple and blue striped socks, yellow shoes, and a red hat. Her family tries to persuade her to wear a more conventional outfit, but she absolutely refuses to wear anything that they suggest. Ella Sarah has a clear idea of how she wants to look and she is determined to have her own way. Later, her young friends arrive for a tea party and all are attired just as zanily as Ella Sarah. She is happily vindicated.
Is It Any Good?
Simply and delightfully told, the story will resonate with preschoolers and their families. Every parent and older sibling will recognize Ella Sarah's struggle between dependence and independence, and applaud her family's decision to give Ella Sarah a little growing room.
Bold pastel colors in attractive patterns are applied in a variety of printmaking techniques to create a sunny background for Ella Sarah's dressing drama. This is a typical preschool situation illustrated in an unusual and beautifully original style.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's so important to Ella Sarah to be able to dress herself. What does she gain from being able to choose her clothes and put them on without any help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Margaret Chodos-Irvine
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harcourt Brace
- Publication date : February 1, 2004
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 2 - 5
- Number of pages : 32
- Award : Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : July 12, 2017
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