Fashionista: Fashion Your Feelings by Maxine Beneba Clarke. Candlewick Press, 2022, c2019. 9781536223774
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? For kids who love to dress creatively, this book redefines the term – Fashionista is not about haute couture, but about dressing for your own self expression. I was drawn in by the cover image, a kid leaping joyfully, with a scarf floating to show the happy movement, and gold accents adding sparkle. The exuberant artwork, a mix of watercolor pencil and collage, celebrates inventiveness and choice. The images show expressive bodies in motion, in a wide variety of genders, skin colors, and body shapes. Loosely rhyming free verse is fun to read aloud and urges readers to “Be your BOLD-BIG-SELF,” by choosing fancy or slouchy clothes, different shoes, hats, hair colors and styles. For kids looking for license to dress creatively, this book is a cheerful affirmation that each day is an opportunity to show who they are.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? For ages 5+.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: January 18, 2023
Youth Services Book Review 
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