Mary Had a Little Glam (Mary Had a Little Glam #1)

Whether by happenstance or by design, this delightful picture book positively answers the call for more books about children of color that aren't about civil rights or slavery. Welcome, Mary! We hope to see you again.

PreS-Gr 2--Move over, Fancy Nancy--there's a new glamour queen in town! Mary's number one goal for her new year at school is to look absolutely fabulous. Covered in accessories, including her bedroom curtain, Mary struts down the block, attracting the attention of townsfolk and resident pooches. Arriving at Mother Goose Elementary, Mary is shocked to see her teacher and classmates dressed in bland clothing from eras long past. Swooping in to save the day, she offers fashion suggestions to all of the students and teachers. Even Clark, the classroom pet snake, gets accessorized with a monocle and top hat. The newly fashion-forward educators and kids incorporate style into school traditions such as storytime, art class, and music class. However, when recess arrives, the students are in a panic. Looking to Mary, they exclaim, "We're clearly dressed all wrong for this!" Mary thinks fast, tosses her silk-lined cape, and jumps right into play, with her classmates following quickly behind. Brantley-Newton's bright and busy illustrations full of racially diverse children and adults appeal to the eye without distracting from the text, while Sauer's quick and witty rhyme will keep children engaged and on their toes. VERDICT This fun and lively read-aloud with an African American protagonist is suitable for any children's collection.--Marian Mays, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

". . . a gleeful story starring a young black fashionista . . . . Tammi Sauer's (Chicken Dance; Cowboy Camp) wordplay is as spirited as the story . . . Illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton . . . captures the giddy makeover mayhem in the dramatic expressions of her characters and in her wonderful, freewheeling use of collaged fabrics and vintage papers. . . . [an] exuberant picture-book ode to the fun of fashion."

—Shelf Awareness