FICTION

A Pattern for Pepper

by Julie KRAULIS
illus. by Julie Kraulis. 40p. Tundra. Aug. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781101917565.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—Pepper needs a dress for a very special occasion, and she and her mother visit Mr. Taylor, her family's favorite tailor, to have a special one made just for her. After taking her measurements, Mr. Taylor shows Pepper a variety of fabrics and tells her that fabrics are textiles and come in all sorts of patterns. He explains the origins of many different patterns such as herringbone, seersucker, tartan, toile, dotted swiss, and houndstooth. The artwork is absolutely lovely. Background illustrations in oil and graphite elaborate on the textual descriptions of each pattern. Eventually, Pepper decides on a pattern and helps Mr. Taylor design and sew a lovely paisley dress.
VERDICT Although the narrow focus on textiles may limit the audience, the story will likely appeal to young readers with an interest in patterns, design, or fashion and might just inspire some new makers to try their hand at sewing and design. An additional purchase.
Reviewed by Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR
When Pepper needs a new dress for Grandma's birthday tea, her mother takes her to Mr. Taylor's shop, where she must select a fabric: herringbone, seersucker, etc.; this proves challenging (e.g., "Too plain for me"). The art is sensational--Kraulis uses the patterns considered as her pages' backgrounds--but the text amounts to little more than an introduction to textiles.
 , Jul 01, 2017

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