Mary Had a Little Glam

October 1, 2016

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.

Starred review from July 15, 2016
Pinkalicious + Fancy Nancy + Eloise = Mary, the diminutive, precocious, brown-skinned queen of glam. The day Mary starts school, she declares to her mom, "I must accessorize." And she does. With bows, buttons, scarves, and even a sheep-shaped purse with an attitude, Mary turns heads all over town. Her drab-looking (though racially diverse) classmates at Mother Goose Elementary (Little Boy Blue, Georgie Porgie, and Little Bo Peep as well as the unnamed others) certainly appear to have stepped out of eras long gone by. The brown-skinned teacher, complete with a bun atop her crown, also appears to be a relic. Mary soon changes their glamless lives with beads, feather boas, sporty hats, and festive patterns aplenty. Mary's makeover magic leaves no school subject or space unturned. When recess arrives, a crisis ensues, for the kids are dressed all wrong for romping. Undaunted, Mary knows exactly what to do. Sauer's rhythm never falters, and Brantley-Newton's bright, fun-filled illustrations teem with energy and life and will keep young readers guessing: who or what will Mary accessorize next, and how? The array of skin tones will help all readers see themselves in this book in which imagination and creativity reign supreme. 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. (Picture book. 3-8)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.