Publisher: Arthur A. Levine (May 1, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7
Source: Personal Copy
Fiction * Dress-Up * Imagination
Description from GoodReads:
A story where getting dressed inspires big dreams!
Each day is full of possibilities, and Zoe wants to be ready for everything this one might bring. But that makes getting dressed really, really hard! If it's a twirling day, she'll need to wear the purple skirt. But if it's a cartwheeling day, she'll want the polka-dot tights. Or it might be a hiding day, perfect for the flower crown that will help her blend into the garden . . . or a flying day, which demands butterfly wings! As the clothes pile up and Mama tells her it's time to go, there's only one way Zoe can be sure she's prepared for all the adventures ahead -- a solution that will have parents laughing in recognition and kids nodding in satisfaction. ZOE GETS READY is perfect for all those little girls who wouldn't have things any other way.
My thoughts on the book:
This past Sunday I attended an event hosted by SCIBA (Southern California Independent Booksellers Association) and Mrs. Nelson's Book. I love the events that they do but I specifically went so that I could actually meet Bethanie Deeney Murguia. I fell in love with her first book, Buglette, the Messy Sleeper and with each book she releases I am becoming a huge fan. It is also wonderful when you meet the author and she is just as fantastic as her books.
This title page is great. It reminds me of both of my nieces as they try to decide what to wear. More of it ends up on the floor than on them as clothes to wear.
Zoe gets to chose what to wear on the weekends. How will she ever decide?
Murguia takes the reader through several dilemmas as Zoe tries to figure out what she is in the mood for. Each two page spread provides readers with a sense of Zoe's creativity and wonder with life.
Obviously, Murguia gets this dilemma on a personal level. Here is Zoe as she struggles to decide and that other little character with the pants on her head is her younger sister. I swear I have seen this same image when I have spent the weekend with my nieces.
Throughout the story, the readers experience Zoe's mother's personal frustration as she waits on Zoe. First the "don't take all day" type response, to the "I hope you aren't making a mess" to "Zoeeeeee! Now!"
Success at last - Zoe finally decides (well sort of) what to wear!
Can't forget the wings!!!!
Murguia's text and illustrations perfectly capture this very familiar experience in the lives of parents and young children. Zoe Gets Ready will make the perfect gift for a special little girl in your life. I know that my niece is currently enjoying her signed copy of Zoe Gets Ready. Thanks Bethanie!
Borrow Zoe Gets Ready from your school or public library. Or check with your local independent bookstore.
Watch the official book trailer:
For more information on Bethanie Deeney Murguia: website | blog | twitter | facebook