Parents' Guide to

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed

By Marigny Dupuy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Typical preschool struggle beautifully illustrated.

Book Margaret Chodos-Irvine Picture Book 2004
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jamie and James
Jamie and James Parent of 5 and 7-year-old
March 14, 2010
age 3+

Perfect for kids who are going through a I THINK I CAN! stage. Most likely they'll carry this around for support.

I bought this for my daughter on her first day of PreK, for her to get that I CAN DO IT! feeling. Now she is in K and she reads it every morning now when she gets dressed.

This title has:

Great messages
SonoraSchmidt
SonoraSchmidt Parent of 1 and 3-year-old
July 30, 2009
age 2+
Simple, good message.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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