Sage and Her Seven ­Dresses

PreS-K–Sage loves many things, but perhaps nothing quite so much as her seven favorite dresses. This precocious and expressive young girl has a specific dress for every occasion, whether she is frolicking at the beach or imagining herself surrounded by a sea of fancy people. Each dress has particular significance to Sage, depending on where the dress came from and when she prefers to wear it. And at night, when Sage sometimes finds herself feeling lonely, wearing her special dresses brings her loved ones close and helps Sage to feel a little less alone. This heartfelt picture book connects young readers with the idea that even if treasured people are not close at hand, their love can nevertheless exist in a child’s mind and heart. Playful Sage is shown in a variety of settings, where chunky, colorful shapes bring movement and levity to the story. These images primarily feature Sage and her white-appearing, nuclear family, though there are occasional inclusions of people of various skin tones, ages, and abilities as well. The text is designed for preschoolers thanks to its repetitive nature and the fact that Sage is speaking directly to the audience, helping to share a recognizable experience with other young children and their families.