Books About Fashion
Elijah's Easter Suit By Brentom Jackson; illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng
In a story full of style, sass, and significance, a young boy goes on a quest for the perfect Easter church outfit, inspired by elders from his community. Along the way learns about the importance of Easter traditions to his family, his ancestors, and the Black church.
Elijah is on a mission to find the perfect church outfit for Easter. But when failed attempts at his town’s stores leave Elijah disappointed, an important conversation with Deacon Brown and Mother Green about tradition, culture, and clothing gives him the courage to create his own Easter masterpiece: a patchwork of perfection that tells his story with style.
Families at Easter will appreciate seeing the themes of church and Black culture throughout Elijah's quest, in this sweet yet important story about a young boy's journey toward an understanding of those who came before him.
An afterword from the author delves into the traditions and culture of Black communities at Easter and the historical importance and significance of Easter clothing and style.
Mae Makes a Way By Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich; illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Tip your hat to fashion designer and civil rights icon Mae Reeves in this picture book biography written in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture!
"A fine introduction to a determined trailblazer." -The New York Times
Mae had a dream to make one-of-a-kind hats. But the path for a Black female designer was unclear, so Mae made a way, leaving her home in the segregated South to study at the Chicago School of Millinery.
Mae had the skills, but craved the independence to create her own styles. So Mae found a way. In Philadelphia, she became the first Black woman to own a business on South Street. Whether you were Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Marian Anderson or a lady from the neighborhood, Mae wanted you to look good and feel special in one of her original hats.
A mother, a successful entrepreneur, and a community advocate, Mae led the way.
Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, acclaimed author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Two Naomis) and award-winning illustrator Andrea Pippins (I Love My Hair) bring the life of fashion entrepreneur and civic organizer Mae Reeves to the page. And when you are done reading, explore Mae’s store and styles in person at her permanent exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Olivette Is You By Nico Tortorella; illustrated by Melissa Kashiwagi
Meet Olivette, who wants kids to know that "all of it is YOU!" and to embrace every part of themselves. The brainchild of actor Nico Tortorella, this buoyant story is a celebration of all the many different parts of us.
Olivette is here to let you in on a secret: you can be anything you want to be. And even better, you can be all of it! Olivette is energetic, moody, and unique—just like you, Olivette contains multitudes.
Olivette Is You—all of it is you—is inspired by actor, musician, and author Nico Tortorella's own experience. Through this buoyant picture book, Nico shows you that you don’t have to choose who or what to be; you are already everything.
Elton John: A Little Golden Book Biography By Jennifer Dussling; illustrated by Irene Chan
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about music icon and "Rocket Man," Elton John. Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers—as well as fans of all ages!
This Little Golden Book about Elton John--the Grammy-award winning singer, pianist, and composer known for hits including "Your Song" and "Benny and the Jets"--is an inspiring read-aloud for young children as well as their parents and grandparents who are Elton fans.
Look for more Little Golden Book biographies:
• Willie Nelson
• Beyoncé
• Dolly Parton
• Taylor Swift
• Tony Bennett
