When watching a movie, many of us tend to marvel at how gorgeous the characters look without taking note of those who work behind-the-scenes to make everything possible. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey, in her new book Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, calls our attention to the amazing woman who designed costumes for numerous world-famous movies. Harvey is also the author of Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, which I reviewed previously. Learn about this upcoming children's book and enter to win a set of five copies to share with friends and family!
My Review:
Based on the true story of one of Hollywood's most sought after designers, Dressing Up the Stars is a delightful and inspiring picture book biography. It follows Edith Head's legendary journey from a lonely little girl living in the desert to an eight-time Oscar winner who was nominated for thirty-five Academy Awards for Best Costume Design and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Young Edith's favorite pastime was dressing up her animal and plant friends with fabric scraps collected from families in the nearest town. Dressing up her only human friends for their plays helped her realize the transformative power of costumes. Turning her hobby into a career didn't come through naturally though. It was with great passion and determination that Edith managed to jump over one hurdle after another on her road to success.
Lack of experience and formal training, a fiasco at her first big assignment, ruthless criticism from a celebrity, and disagreement with clients...none of these could deter her from going above and beyond, creating costumes that help change actors into their characters and transport viewers into the stories shown on the big screen.
Instead of elaborating on the most glorious moments in her life, the book explores the influence of the designer's childhood, and the challenges and failures she was able to overcome through hard work and perseverance. The admirable fighting spirit that shines through the talented fashionista's life story inspires young readers to follow their heart, keep learning and enriching themselves, and stay strong and fearless in the face of adversity.
The artful illustrations featuring exquisite patterns, mixed textures and fancy colors fit the book's theme perfectly, while the cute characters and their funny expressions appeal to the little ones. It's truly a charming read that anyone can enjoy.
About the Book:
Ages 3-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Beach Lane Books | ISBN-13: 9781534451056
Discover the true story of how a shy miner’s daughter became one of the most legendary costume designers in Hollywood in this inspiring nonfiction picture book biography.
As a child in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada, Edith Head had few friends and spent most of her time dressing up her toys and pets and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She always knew she wanted to move somewhere full of people and excitement. She set her sights on Hollywood and talked her way into a job sketching costumes for a movie studio.
Did she know how to draw or sew costumes? No. But that didn’t stop her!
Edith taught herself and tirelessly worked her way up until she was dressing some of the biggest stars of the day, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly to Ginger Rogers. She became the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio costume department and went on to win eight Academy Awards for best costume design—and she defined the style of an era.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
About the Author:
Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, and Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines. Jeanne lives in Northern California.
Visit her online at www.jeanneharvey.com.
About the Illustrator:
Diana Toledano is an illustrator, writer, and educator. She is also a Pisces who loves children’s books, patterns, and dancing her heart out. Originally from Spain, Diana (pronounced the Spanish way: dee-ah-na) grew up in Madrid where she studied art history and illustration. Now she lives in San Francisco with her husband and two fluffy cats. Her mixed media art seeks to capture the magic of the ordinary. Diana’s product designs, picture books, board books, and chapter books have been published and sold all over the world. Diana also teaches workshops for kids and adults. She enjoys doing school visits and speaking at conferences.
Learn more at Diana-Toledano.com.
Five winners will each receive a set of five copies of Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head!
Giveaway ends 9/15. Open to US only. Please submit your entries below. Good luck!
Dressing Up the Stars: Book GiveawayDisclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
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