Saturday, November 19, 2011

Book Review: Birdie's Big-Girl Dress by Sujean Rim


By: Sujean Rim
Published by: Little Brown Kids
Released on: September 5th, 2011
Ages: 4 & up
Source: book from publisher to review
3 stars: An Adorable Picture Book
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


In this follow-up to Birdie's Big-Girl Shoes, our favorite pint-sized fashionista is looking forward to a very BIG day—her birthday. But when Birdie tries on her favorite party dress, she realizes that - oh no! - it's too small. Mommy takes her to the boutique, where she tries on dress after dress, but Birdie realizes that none of these gowns will allow her to run and jump, make messes, and eat cake. Only when she takes a trip up to her favorite thinking place, the attic, does she realize that all it takes the find the perfect "Birdie dress" is a little imagination.

-quoted from Goodreads

Birdie is an adorable little girl who's so excited to celebrate her upcoming party. This pint size fashionista has a problem, she doesn't know what to wear to her party. Her mother takes her shopping at a local boutique, but Birdie can't find what she's looking for. It's until she rummages through the attic does she find the perfect outfit. The attic scenes were my favorite! I can only imagine the hours that could be spent playing dress up there.

The only problem I had with the story is found on a page where the little girl won't get a dress because it would be too snug after eating cake. For whatever reason that rubbed me the wrong way, and it bothers me that this was mentioned in a children's book. It sends the wrong message to kids, especially little girls who should be able to enjoy a dress not matter their size. Aside from that page, this story has some extremely adorable illustrations, that I couldn't get enough of. I'd recommend getting it for the illustrations alone.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~