The Kettles Get New Clothes [Hardcover]

Dayle Ann Dodds (Author), Jill McElmurry (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The hapless Kettles find themselves in a silly spoof of the world of fashion foibles—with the help of sprightly illustrations and a bouncy, repetitive text that begs to be read aloud.

"PAISLEY," said Monsieur Pip, "is perky and spry. I love it, don’t you? Just give it a try."

Once a year the Kettles get new clothes, plain and simple as you please.
But this year their favorite shop has been taken over by Monsieur Pip’s
fancy boutique! Soon they’re on a wild ride through the world of high
fashion, in crazy patterns and every color of the rainbow. Will the
conservative Kettles ever find the clothes they need? Mais oui! For
Monsieur Pip’s customers are always happy - G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

On their annual trip to the big city, the Kettles, a family of floppy-eared dogs, know exactly what they want: "Brand-new clothes, plain and simple as you please." But their favorite store is now in the hands of Monsieur Pip, a French-accented Scottie who promises: "My customers are always happy./ G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D." The ensuing give-and-take between the flashy salesman and the bumpkin Kettles lies at the heart of Dodds's (Sing Sophie!) amusing story. In four scenes, the Kettles try on Monsieur Pip's outlandish clothes, emerging in a parade of patterns. Monsieur Pip tries to convince them to buy ("Paisley... is perky and spry. I love it, don't you? Just give it a try"), but the Kettles aren't sold ("Too perky," said Father./ "Too spry" said Mother./ "Don't love it," said Sister./ "Nor I!" said Brother). McElmurry supports Dodds's playful mimicry with vivid, merry illustrations drawn against textured backgrounds; in the paisley costume change, for instance, the Kettles look like '60s hipsters. The story ends with a tail-wagging twist: the older Kettles may prefer their clothes plain and simple, but Baby Kettle digs stripes and plaids (ensemble!). This engaging book will earn giggles from kids who love a good joke, G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-When the Kettles go to their favorite clothing store, they are surprised to find a much fancier shop, with the elegant Monsieur Pip as the new proprietor. He has them trying on paisley, stripes, checks, and dots in a wild fashion show of patterns and colors. When they are all at wit's end except Baby, who likes everything, the owner finally shows them what they want-clothes that are "plain and simple." This endearing story features sophisticated but hilarious gouache illustrations and a rhyming story that leaves Monsieur Pip's customers, as well as readers, satisfied and happy, "G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D!"-Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library District, IL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763610917
• ISBN-13: 978-0763610913
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,849,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my 5-year-old loved this book!, September 9, 2003

By 

Mom 2 Two "wife2abadge" (Grand Rapids, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kettles Get New Clothes (Hardcover)

This reminded me of the Berenstain book Old Hat, New Hat -- with a twist. The Kettles, a family of dogs, go into town for their once-a-year shopping trip to purchase the same old clothes they always wear. They find that the store they always visit has been replaced by an upscale shop, but enter and find an eager clerk.

He brings out a series of outfits, each more colorful and wilder than the previous set, to everyone's dismay except the youngest Kettle. She alone seems to love the checks, dots, and plaids. Finally the clerk brings out the plainest thing he has (in total and comical desperation), pleasing everyone except the baby. Fortunately, everyone leaves the store happy in the end.

My five-year-old requested this book several nights running after I brought it home from the library and I plan to purchase it for her birthday. It's a funny story with cute pictures to pore over.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shopping for a good book?, February 10, 2005

By 

Jessica E. Platt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kettles Get New Clothes (Hardcover)

When the Kettle family goes shopping at a fancy new store, they have trouble finding the right clothes. However, Monsieur Pip's customers always leave happy!

Children will love to watch this family of dogs get dressed up, and they may even learn a few French words in the process.

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, December 12, 2011

By 

roseshardware - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kettles Get New Clothes (Hardcover)

My daughter and I found this book hysterical and delightful. The very plain Kettles find themselves in a fancy boutique full of clothes that they would never dream of wearing. The artwork is charming, and the story is a great one to read aloud because of the over-the-top French sales clerk. Now, whenever I'm trying clothes in a store, I hear the beleaguered Kettles in the back of my mind sayng, "NOT happy!"