Ella Sarah Gets Dressed: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Book Overview

A 2004 Caldecott Honor Book

Ella Sarah may be little, but she has a BIG sense of style--and it isn't at all like that of her mother, father, and older sister. Yet they all want her to dress just like them! Ella Sarah will have none of it--and when her flamboyantly dressed friends arrive, it's clear that Ella Sarah's favorite outfit is just right for her. Written and illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, this spirited, Caldecott...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152164138
• ISBN13: 9780152164133
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 9.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Loved, loved Ella Sarah's spirit

Ella Sarah is a little girl, probably about three or four years old, who definitely has her own sense of style. One day she decides she wants to wear pink polka dot pants, a dress with orange and green flowers, purple and blue striped socks, yellow shoes and a red hat-all at the same time. Her mom, dad and older sister each try to get her to wear clothes that match, but Ella Sarah stands her ground. She dresses herself and is proud of the outfit she has assembled. Later, when her friends come over to play, each of them is attired in his or her own less-than-perfectly matched ensembles. Parents who insist their children wear clothes that match should avoid letting their children read this book. Open-minded and nurturing parents, however, will enjoy sharing this fun story with their children. The brightly colored pictures are visually stimulating and will keep young children interested. They will also learn about colors and naming the different articles of clothing. This book fosters decision-making skills and independence. Letting children express their individuality early in life will help them learn more about who they are as a person. In the long run, they will be better able to make important decisions as they grow up instead of being totally dependent on others. Ella Sarah Gets Dressed is a cute story that also provides an important lesson for both parents and children. Armchair Interviews says: The early life of a fashionista!

great book

my girls love this book- so cute and enjoyable to read for parents too

Great for children who love dress-up

My daughter (2 years old) really loves this book. It is fun, and has beautifully illustrated pages. The ending is surprising if you try to predict why Ella Sarah is getting dressed.

I love Ella Sarah!

I adore Ella Sarah. Other reviewers are right that Ella Sarah does throw a mild tantrum in the book. I personally think it's a great tool for teaching toddlers. Ella Sarah clearly expresses what she wants (a list my 2-year-old daughter knows by heart), and when she is not supported in her wishes by her family members, she goes ahead and dresses herself. I personally think it's a lot better when a toddler can list off exactly what she wants to wear, rather than throw a incomprehensible fit. I adore Ella Sarah (and my daughter does too), because she is an independent, communicative and creative little girl!

Ella Sarah: What She Ought To Wear....

Ella Sarah is a young woman with a mind of her own... a very young woman with a mind of her own.This brightly bold picture book reflects the personality of the protagonist. Everyone else gives her "their wisdom" and seems to forget Ella Sarah has a vision all her own.At the end, Ella Sarah follows her heart and wears exactly what she wanted to all along.... and then her friends who know and cherish her exactly as she is arrive and.... well, its a loving, bright and bold ending as well.Your children will love this, especially those who are bold, bright little ones who have their own strong fashion opinions.