Charlotte's Very Own Dress

K-Gr 2—Charlotte is the youngest of six girls in the lavish Bartlett-Kruger household. While she enjoys playing with her sisters and welcomes their outgrown toys, Charlotte dislikes being stuck with their hand-me-down clothes. When their parents plan a fancy dress-up party, the girls anticipate wearing a stylish new outfit, all except Charlotte, who expects to be the wallflower of the group. Extending some kindhearted effort, the sisters embellish their old dresses with handy items around the house to create a dress "made not only of hand-me-down garments, but with sisterly love." Krauss's intricate, meticulous pastel illustrations are a feast for the eyes for fashion buffs, though the outfits (reminiscent of 1920s or 1930s splendor) may not resonate with 21st-century children. Fans of "Cinderella" should be satisfied when Charlotte emerges for her grand entrance wearing a ball gown fit for a princess. The dress is featured on the book's front cover, which may be a bit of a spoiler, but those who savor a typical happy ending will not be disappointed. Children with older sisters may relish a story featuring the youngest shining as the center of attention, and it is somewhat satisfying being presented with a twist on the evil stepsisters of Cinderella.