Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

 

In Edie’s Ensembles theaward-winning author-illustrator of the Binky the Space Cat series, Ashley Spires, brings us a vibrant tale of friendship and self-esteem, brimming with outrageous outfits and earnest characters. Edie has marvelous clothes in every colour, and she loves wearing them. Known for her “great taste and stylish flare,” she easily collects compliments, using the hall at school as her runway. But when the attention she receives dwindles, Edie goes to great lengths to get it back, risking her friendship with her best friend, Andrew, and her connection to her true self.

Kids will love the detail in Spires’s digitally-rendered illustrations – Edie’s wardrobe consists of pants, skirts, shoes, boots, scarves, jackets, and hats, all unique and in colour, style, and texture. When Edie goes to extremes by ripping apart old shirts and dresses, her surprising combinations are displayed in a double-page spread “parade” of sorts, suitable for the runway or, possibly, as one classmate remarks, Halloween.

The theme of friendship is illuminated through the character of Andrew who tirelessly entertains Edie’s preoccupation until she rejects one of his outfits. It’s only when Edie is left bare and downtrodden that she recognizes how lost she has become, and how she’ll make things right – with Andrew, and with herself.

Edie’s Ensembles is a tale that will resonate with kids who like to dress up, and those who,- like Edie – seek true connections.

Jen Bailey teaches in the Professional Writing Program at Algonquin College, Ottawa. She holds an MFA in Writing from VCFA, and writes for children and young adults.

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