Jacob's New Dress
By Darienne Stewart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cheery book on dismantling gender norms helps kids, parents.
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What's the Story?
In JACOB'S NEW DRESS, Jacob loves to wear dresses: the princess costume at his school's dress-up corner, a witch dress he wore for Halloween, even a homemade dress he fashioned from a towel. His classmate, Christopher, insists boys don't wear dresses and tears away his homemade dress. Jacob's friend Emily and his parents assure him it's fine to wear a dress, and his mom helps him sew a real dress -- purple, with ruffles. Wearing what he wants helps Jacob feel so comfortable, he finds Christopher's taunts have lost their power.
Is It Any Good?
This compassionate, encouraging story is helpful for both children and their parents. What seems so simple for a young child -- wearing what makes him feel good -- can seem much more complicated for people who care for him, as parents and co-authors Sarah and Ian Hoffman know well. They drew on their own experience to write Jacob's New Dress.
The story is told simply, enlivened by illustrator Chris Case's expressive characters and vibrant style. Jacob senses his parents' uncertainty but clearly feels supported -- parents will recognize their hesitation and resolve to stand by Jacob. The resolution may feel a little too easy for families of children who are targeted by bullies: It's a joy to see Jacob refuse to let his bully hamper his spirit, but for most victimized kids it isn't so easy. Still, this is an excellent book for starting a conversation with kids and for parents feeling their way through unfamiliar terrain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how clothing helps Jacob feel confident and happy in Jacob's New Dress. Which outfits or costumes boost your spirits?
Do you sometimes feel people think you can't -- or shouldn't -- do something because you're a boy or a girl?
Do you find it easy to stand out in a crowd, or you find it takes courage to be yourself?
Book Details
- Authors: Sarah Hoffman , Ian Hoffman
- Illustrator: Chris Case
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co.
- Publication date: March 1, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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