Mitford at the Fashion Zoo

June 1, 2015
An aspiring fashionista gets a big break. With able assistance from his wife, author Gieske, fashion illustrator Robertson unveils his first full-length picture book, giving narrative life to Mitford, a bespectacled giraffe who pines to get into fashion-zoo journalism. Though new to children, the silent Mitford is no stranger to the 24,000 followers of "Donald Drawbertson," dubbed "Instagram's Andy Warhol" last spring by the New York Post for the Estee Lauder creative director's wildly successful Internet forays into the worlds of illustration and art. Here, his leggy giraffe's fashion dreams come true when Cover magazine's star editor, Panda Summers-clearly drawn to resemble fashion icon Anna Wintour-hires Mitford for a one-week trial as her assistant in the chaotic crescendo leading up to "New York Fashion Zoo Week," the "most busiest ever time of the whole entire year" at the magazine. Using vibrant acrylics, "very magic markers," and black ballpoint ink, Robertson sets Panda and Mitford to work, saving the day repeatedly when show-stopping calamities threaten to befall some of Mitford's favorite designers, Zap Possum, Shark Jakobs, and Mikael Boars. While fashion-conscious readers will appreciate the punning, even those oblivious to the tongue-in-cheek ribbing of fashion-world characters and excesses will marvel at Robertson's richly animated storyboards with their bright hues and zany, literally animalistic garment ensembles. Sassy and inspiringly drawn: a funny, captivating treat for the eyes and imagination. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2017

K-Gr 2-The cool-headed, long-necked protagonist of Mitford at the Fashion Zoo returns, this time reacting to a fashion emergency on the West Coast. The superchic giraffe is dispatched by his flamboyant boss, Panda Summers, to rescue Rhinoana, the celebrity singer and Cover magazine cover model, whose cotton-candy dress has disintegrated. With the aid of some Zoom Juice, the difficult-to-fit diva is stepping out in style at the Academy Zoowards. While Mitford is at it, he also helps Meryl Sheep electrify the red carpet. But what can Mitford do for Shark Whaleberg? And with his last-minute assignment, will the giraffe himself be able to dress to impress and win his coveted promotion to fashion editor? Do you have to ask? This ludicrous look at the fashion world is delivered with sass and flash. The loose line drawings and splashes of color work perfectly to suggest the world of haute couture and the engaging animal characters. The sly plays on celebrity names and brands might not mean anything to a child audience, but the zooish humor and inspired silliness might appeal to budding fashionistas and runway stars. VERDICT This offering is all about style over substance, and, as such, it is an over-the-rainbow addition.-Luann Toth, School Library Journal

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