In the spirit of fun and in honor of New York Fashion Week, I give you these fashion-forward picture book characters. (I stuck to fictional characters who are human, for some parameters.)
Shout out to Julie Falatko who suggested on twitter that I do a fashionable parents in picture books post when I featured The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Thanks for getting the wheels spinning!
AND THE AWARDS GO TO…
I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn, pictures by Julis Denos. (p.s. Also one of my favorite TPBL blog posts ever.)
Her outfits change through the seasons and growth-spurts thanks to her mom’s superb sewing skills. That dress becomes a shirt, a scarf, a hair bow.
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, pictures by David Small.
No explanation necessary. This kid wears a tux. It’s no wonder his best friend is destined to be a penguin.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee written by Philip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead.
Oh, Amos. The hat, the slightly rumply green suit, the boots! Perfection.
Cherry and Olive by Benjamin Lacombe.
Cherry wears the perfect cream turtleneck sweater, no? It’s a cold weather staple.
Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse pictures by Jon J. Muth.
I like how Tessie’s suit is ballet-inspired. Simple and danceable. Just right.
How to by Julie Morstad. (p.s. I’ve blogged it.)
These kids look awesome. I especially like the butterfly wings, but each ordinary ensemble is great as well. Kind of old-timey, colorful, and quintessentially kid.
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts.
Miss Lila Greer is so Mad Men, no?
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers (p.s. I’ve blogged it.)
Breton shirts are for sailors, and this boy goes on a journey. That shirt is so graphic and so Jeffers.
Pelly and Mr. Harrison Visit the Moon by Lindsay Ward.
Really it’s two awesome accessories: that lightning bolt space cap AND the bunny slippers!
Please Bring Balloons by Lindsay Ward. (p.s. I’ve blogged it.) Lindsay Ward’s characters have two of these awards!
Obviously. Those. Red. Boots.
The Frank Show by David Mackintosh. (p.s. I’ve blogged it.)
Such taste and refinement in those striped PJs. (And really, they have a lot in common with Grandpa Frank’s wardrobe.)
Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear and Isabelle Arsenault. (p.s. I’ve blogged it.)
Sweet, sweet yellow dress.
Neville by Norton Juster and G. Brian Karas.
Red checks are always in style.
These Hands by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
Red converse. Good for a grandson or a grandpa or any person of any age or gender.
Red Sled by Lita Judge.
That puffy white suit really gets me.
Rain! by Linda Ashman, pictures by Christian Robinson. (p.s. I’ve blogged it.)
The definitive froggy rain coat. Ribbits of joy!
Sparky! by Jenny Offill and Chris Appelhans.
A costume a real kid could really make by herself. Space traveler meets magician meets superhero.
There you have it! I’d like to thank all the talented people who shared their gifts with us in these books. And I dedicate this post to all of you who read my blog!
For grownup outfits, I’ll add Zeena McFouz in The Change Your Name Store and Amelia’s mom in No Fits, Nilson!
I love this post! I’d better scour my closet for new outfits — I’m all inspired.
I have yet to get my hands on THE CHANGE YOUR NAME STORE. Boo! But yes to NO FITS, NILSON!
Thanks so much, Julie!
I love the categories. Favorite sweater especially.
Thank you! Yeah, even I am looking forward to sweater weather right now. 🙂
I was going to suggest both the mother *and* the daughter in No Fits, Nilson! The multiple barrettes — fashion and function.
Multiple barrettes are the best! Also, colored bobby pins.
I’d like to nominate Halibut Jackson for Best Camouflage and Jerry Bee from Bee-Wigged for, of course, Best Wig.
Hahaha! Best Camouflage is an excellent category!! Thanks, Liz!
So glad you have SPARKY! in your post. I (heart) that girl and her colander helmet!
Me too, Cathy! That book is wonderful in every way. A masterpiece, really!
Takes me back to cafeteria criteria at FIT. A loooong time ago!
LOVE this!!
Thanks, Julie!! Xo
HA! This was quite fun to read!
I’m so glad! It was admittedly super fun to write too! 🙂
What a fun, original idea – loved it! And a great way to promote books I will now investigate 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you, Frances! My pleasure!
Ha! My favorite is Best Classic Stripe.
Can’t go wrong with a Breton shirt! Also, I love NINJA RED RIDING HOOD! Honored that you stopped by here. 🙂
A fun post and some books I’ve missed. Thanks.
My pleasure! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Wonderful!
Wonderful post! I’m so happy to have found your blog and a new long list of books to read! :0)
Donna, I’m happy you found ME!
Where do you find your choice of books? The selection of outfits is remarkable. I cannot choice a favorite although … I am find myself wanting to revisit Iggy Peck, Architect as well as Cherry and Olive. The dog’s wrinkles complement the pattern of the sweater, too. If he’d been simply furry it would not have worked nearly as well!
Since my home library collection is sadly not very large, I keep a record of all the PBs I’ve liked in case they come in handy for a roundup post like this. 🙂
And you’re so right about Olive’s wrinkles! Those two a perfect match!
What a fabulous idea for a post! Thanks for giggle and for introducing me to a few books heretofore unknown to me. 🙂
Giggling and spreading picture books are two of my favorite things. 🙂
This is such an awesome post! You are fantastically creative, girl! I have to say my favs are the gingham girl (of course), Cherry with the Best Sweater, and the Best Homemade Costume…so adorable!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Bonnie, I should’ve dedicated that gingham entry to you! 🙂 And thank you!!!
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