The Bora-Bora Dress - Hardcover

Carole Lexa Schaefer is the author of many acclaimed picture books for children, including FULL MOON BARNYARD DANCE, illustrated by Christine Davenier and DOWN IN THE WOODS AT SLEEPYTIME, illustrated by Vanessa Cabban. She says, "The Bora-Bora Dress was inspired by a strong-minded little friend of mine who loved to read so much, she began when she was three." Carole Lexa Schaefer is the founder and director of a preschool in Seattle.

Catherine Stock has illustrated many celebrated books for children, including JUSTIN AND THE BEST BISCUITS IN THE WORLD by Mildred Pitts Walter, a Coretta Scott King Award winner; the Gus and Grandpa series by Claudia Mills; and her own A SPREE IN PAREE. Catherine Stock lives in New York City and France.

*Starred Review* PreS-Gr. 3. Accustomed to wearing pants instead of a skirt, lanky Lindsay only consents to donning a dress in order to attend Aunt Fiona's party. Her mother hauls the reluctant girl off to the dress shop, an alien place of dots, plaids, pleats, ruffles, frills--and one spectacular sundress bearing the tag "Made in Bora-Bora for you." Wonderfully exotic, yet light and comfortable, the dress seems as magical as Aunt Fiona's party, where the guests stroll through the garden maze and Lindsay dances in the moonlight. The story and artwork are mesmerizing as Lindsay transforms from a girl whose idea of formal dress is ribbon-pocket jeans to one who magically, joyfully floats and twirls in the frock that was made just for her. Repeated words and sounds weave though the text, lending grace and style to the simple narrative. Featuring elongated figures, lively patterns, and pleasing colors, Stock's watercolor paintings create a bit of enchantment all their own. The well-composed scenes illustrate the story with distinction, particularly in the moonlit scenes of Lindsay dancing in her Bora-Bora dress. This is a good choice for reading aloud; leave plenty of time to pore over the detailed, luminous artwork. Carolyn Phelan
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