The Yellow Tutu

September 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-Margo is excited about her birthday gift. With the yellow tutu on her waist she pretends to be a dancer, but when she puts it on her head she becomes the sun. She can't wait to go to school and show her friends how she shines on everything she sees, but some of the children make fun of her "tutu head." Tears begin to well up in her eyes until Pearl rescues her. She has a pink tutu and together she and Margo put the skirts on their heads and enjoy a tea party in the garden after school. This is a sweet story of youthful exuberance, imagination, and friendship. Kirsten Bramsen has a keen understanding of the workings of children's minds. Margo is a believable little girl; she is so innocent and enthusiastic that readers will readily enter her pretend world. Carin Bramsen's whimsical illustrations capture the text's energy and fun. Her style is reminiscent of classic, old-fashioned greeting cards with slightly muted lines and pastel colors. She shows Margo in the real world and in the world of her imagination, where bees smile and squirrels with sunglasses sip lemonade. Those who liked Margaret Chodos-Irvine's "Ella Sarah Gets Dressed" (2003) and "Best Best Friends" (2006, both Harcourt) will enjoy this sunny offering that reminds readers that all it takes is one friend to make everything better."Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Margo, who thinks her yellow tutu makes a fine hat, is dismayed when her classmates tease her. An imaginative friend saves the day, seeing Margo as a sunflower, lion, and rose. The text is somewhat heavy-handed. The joy of pretending is well reflected in the pastel-hued illustrations, though their fuzzy, soft-focus presentation can be hard on the eyes.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)