Fred Gets Dressed

March 15, 2021
Preschool-Grade 1 *Starred Review* Fred is a little white boy with brown hair, an electric glow to his hot pink aura, and an undeniable joie de vivre. One way he expresses the latter is by cavorting in the nude. Smiling, he streaks across the living room as his parents read on the sofa. Brown's no slouch when it comes to letting loose (Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, 2013), but this story takes an interesting turn--into Fred's parents' closet. Of his own volition, Fred wanders in and looks over his dad's side of the closet (boring) and then his mom's (much more exciting), ultimately trying on one outfit from each. When Fred's happily wearing his mom's pink blouse as a dress and exploring his makeup and jewelry options, his parents walk in. Brown draws out this tense moment with a wordless two-page spread, but their surprise gives way to smiles, with a truly delightful sequence of them all doing their hair and makeup together. There is no discussion here of gender identity or expectation; it simply shows parents following their child's lead and offering him love and the space to explore and be himself. This largely comes through in Brown's marvelous illustrations, which favor purples, greens, and hot pink hues, thick line work, and a hipster aesthetic. A wonderful celebration of self that joins titles like Christine Baldacchino's Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress (2014) and Rowboat Watkins' Pete with No Pants (2017).

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April 1, 2021
Deciding what to wear becomes an adventure for a small boy. Fred likes to "[romp] through the house naked and wild and free." His romping takes him into his parents' bedroom closet, where Fred initially checks out Dad's clothing. Thinking it would be fun to dress like Dad, Fred selects a shirt, tie, and shoes, but he struggles with them. Moving onto Mom's side of the closet, Fred opts for a blouse, scarf, and shoes, all of which easily slip on. Dressed in Mom's clothes and huge shoes, Fred explores her jewelry box and makeup drawer, adding a necklace to his ensemble, but his attempt to apply lipstick ends in a smear. When Mom and Dad see Fred in his chosen apparel, they smile, and soon Mom shows Fred how to apply makeup and style his hair while Dad and the dog join the fun. Rendered in strong, black outlines, simple shapes, and complementary pinks and greens, the memorable illustrations portray Fred as a rosy, free-spirited tot unabashedly streaking through the house as his parents calmly read. Fred's unsuccessful experiment with Dad's drab male wardrobe and subsequent exploration of Mom's more exciting female attire, jewelry, and makeup are presented as an unremarkable occurrence for young Fred. The text-free close-up of Mom's and Dad's reactions to Fred in Mom's clothing sends just the right message of parental acceptance, support, and love. All three have pale skin and straight hair, Fred's and Dad's darker than Mom's. Positive, powerful, and affirming. (Picture book. 3-6)

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