Too Purpley!

Debut author Reidy’s couplets about a fussy dresser deliver their message with maximum economy. Leloup’s persnickety toddler looks like a paper doll; she’s a two-dimensional cutie-pie with dots for eyes, pigtails, and an awesome collection of outfits. Unfortunately, she doesn’t like any of them. “NOT THESE CLOTHES!” she yells at her mother, who enters carrying an enormous pile of options. “Too purpley,” the girl continues, as she is seen dressed in a purple pullover and jumper, against purple wallpaper (even her pet turtle is purple). The complaints add up: “Too tickly, too puckery, too prickly,” she wails, as the toddler laughs at a big furry sweater, tries to smooth out a wrinkly outfit, and holds her arms out so her cactus sweater doesn’t stick her. Neatly constructed rhymes carry through to the girl’s selection of sneakers, a pullover, jumper, and pair of pants—she rejects all the Fancy Nancy finery for sensible everyday wear. “So comfy!” she finishes. “Just right!” Both art and text have a somewhat generic feel, but they’re tidily executed, and a clothing-obsessed readership awaits. Ages 3–5. (Feb.)