PPBF: I Like Old Clothes

Happy Hobbit Day!

Tune in tomorrow for the gastronomical triumphs from our Middle Earthly feast.

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick


newly illustrated I Like Old Clothes,
by Mary Ann Hoberman and Patrice Barton

I Like Old Clothes

Written Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustrated by Patrice Barton

Alfred A. Knopf
originally published 1976, New illustrations 2012
Ages 5-8, 32 pp


Themes:
Childhood, Differences, Individuality


Opening:
I like old clothes,
Hand-me-down clothes,
Worn-outgrown clothes,
Not-my-own clothes.

This book was originally published with illustrations by Jacqueline Chwast

Synopsis:
The main character tells how she loves receiving used clothes even though other people might not like old clothes. This is more of a concept book. The MC likes to imagine where the clothes have come from and in the beautifully circular ending, where they are going to next. She likes hand-me-downs because she can play without messing them up, or dress up, or remake them into something new.


What I Love:
This sweet circular "story" by Mary Ann Hoberman has been reissued with new illustrations. I love how Patrice Barton introduces a gentle, vintage vibe into her illustrations without being sentimental.
I love the creative ways the MC uses her clothes. I appreciate the book's ability to deflect embarassment over consignments shopping and an upcycled life-style. The book is perfectly suited to today's environmentally-conscious parents who take advantage of the used clothing that comes their way. The illustrator uses a nice variety of collage-style back grounds and vignettes with plenty of character appeal.

I generally flinch when a past illustrator's work is cast aside, but this new edition is worthy of the timeless text. It's so cute!


Bonus: 

Ingenious cookie packages from Cake Central

1. Reading Rockets never fails to disappoint with their author interviews in text or video format.

2. View a delightful sketch interview with illustrator Patrice Barton on the Texas: Austin SCBWI blog, or the traditional kind with Kathy Temean's indepth Q&A with lots of pictures!

3. Take kids on a shopping spree to the local consignment shop for school clothes, play clothes, dress up costumes, and clothes for crafting. Use the time to review making change and budgeting.

4. Blogger Marilyn Rodrigues posts about the ups and downs of the hand-me-down lifestyle while Recycle Now has suggestions for less-than-quality donations.

5. Teach kids about charity by donating to actual charities like Salvation Army and World Wear Project. Note that Goodwill is a for-profit business and Boxes like Planet Aid can be highly suspect. Do your research.

6. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Jennifer

Reviewed by Erik

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Rhythm

Reviewed by Maria

Reviewed by Julie

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, September 22, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.