Customer Reviews

Hannah and the Seven Dresses

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Marthe Jocelyn's "Hannah and the Seven Dresses" has perfectly charming illustrations! Hannah is a young girl who has difficulty figuring out what to wear--mostly because her mother, an accomplished seamstress, has made her so many pretty dresses. Hannah soon figures out how to get dressed each morning without having to dither over her dresses, but when her birthday comes along, the problem presents itself anew. Which of her splendid outfits is most fitting for a birthday party?

The story is not nearly as strong as the illustrations, which are superb. Jocelyn has employed all manner of fabrics, beading, trim, and more to create utterly captivating and colorful illustrations which present each dress with loving care and detail. No wonder Hannah has difficulty choosing--each dress is a marvel!

Along with a delightful story, the reader will find every page a wonder to explore. Collages of fabrics in various textures and designs, with bits and pieces pulled from the sewing basket to accompany them, add enormously to the pleasure of this book. An added treat is the stuffed elephant (not mentioned in the text) that accompanies Hannah throughout the book.

I was fortunate enough to meet and take a workshop with Ms. Joselyn at the Young Authors Confrence in Montreal in 1998. It was then that I read "Hannah and the Seven Dresses". I found it to be an adorable and lovable story for younger children. I enjoyed it very much even being 12 years old.