School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 4-A girl tells how her grandmother makes her a "special" dress every year. The colorful and cleverly created multimedia illustrations vividly show what's involved: the paper patterns, bolts of fabric, step-by-step process of cutting out material, basting, and using a sewing machine. A delighted youngster dances as her grandmother comments, "Pretty as a princess!" and her mom adds, "A perfect fit!" The child looks over her shoulder into a mirror and smiles as she says, "Thank you, Grandma!" The story goes on to promote recycling: the following year, Grandma says to the now-seven-year-old, "We all need to do our part.. We should use new material only if we have to. You're no wider, just taller, so let's start with what we have and add to it." They add pretty leggings, a new pair of shoes, and a matching belt to extend the use of the garment. And the following year, a spread reveals how the old dress is made new once again, and the gleeful girl informs her friends, "This is my forever dress. I've worn it forever.well, almost forever. Since I was six." Young girls will enjoy this tale about a loving relationship between grandparent and child.-Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.