The Spectacular Suit

Kat Patrick (illus. Hayley Wells)

“This is a vibrant, charming book about how clothes can make you feel special and the importance of wearing the clothes that reflect your identity. The digital illustrations are gorgeous and dynamic and make the story really sing. It’s a delightful book.”

Angela Crocombe, Manager of Readings Kids

“Immensely charming … A delightful, affirming story about finding your unique look without reducing it to simplistic, black-and-white, or reductive ideas about gender presentation. One of a kind.”

Kirkus Reviews

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“Primary colors pop in this celebratory picture book about supporting children’s senses of being. Frankie couldn’t be more excited for her garden party, where there will be pickles and jelly beans, and decorations galore. But her mom picked out three dresses for her to wear, and none suit her spectacular expectations. She wants to wear something marvelous: “with lightning bolts and stars and style.” She has little hope that such an outfit exists, but with help from her family, her dream is achieved!”

Foreword Reviews, starred review

“[A] great addition to the growing LGBTQIA+ picture book collection … Specifically give it to kids who see themselves or see others in their lives who may not follow traditional gender roles or may be questioning their own gender identity. Read-alike with Julián is a Mermaid.”

Sarah Bickel, Youth Services Book Review

“[A] beautiful reflection for kids who push back against gender stereotypes.”

The Tiny Activist

“A gorgeous glam-rock picture-book celebration of individual style, empathic family, and wearing what feels spectacular.”

Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian

“From Kat Patrick, author of Doodle Cat and Howl, comes a gorgeous picture book about the nervous joy of expressing yourself through clothing and the strength that comes with family support. Finding the perfect look (especially one with such strong Bowie vibes) for your own party can be incredibly empowering, and The Spectacular Suit also plays with gender in the same, delightful way that children do. Artist Hayley Wells’s picture book debut is warmly illustrated in a limited colour palette, creating a cohesive story world … While this story is a great one for sharing with children from the age of three, when the desire to choose your own outfit really begins to take hold, it could be perfect for those well into primary school, when individuality and identity begin to take on more significance.”

Michael Earp, Books + Publishing

A buoyant and heartwarming celebration of individuality, identity, and dressing to suit yourself!

It’s almost Frankie’s birthday and everything is ready—except for something to wear. All of her party dresses feel wrong. Her family tries to help, but it’s no good.

What Frankie longs for is a suit. A spectacular suit …

Can Frankie find the outfit of her dreams?

The perfect gift for birthday parties, crafters, and children who don’t identify with traditional gender roles
Wonderful conversation starter for teachers and librarians to explore gender and identity with age-relevant material from #ownvoice creators
Would suit fans of Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita

Angela Crocombe, Manager of Readings Kids

Kirkus Reviews

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Foreword Reviews, starred review

Sarah Bickel, Youth Services Book Review

“[A] beautiful reflection for kids who push back against gender stereotypes.”

The Tiny Activist

“A gorgeous glam-rock picture-book celebration of individual style, empathic family, and wearing what feels spectacular.”

Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian

Buy from IndieBound

Details

Format:Hardback

Size: 10.6in × 9in

Extent:32pp

ISBN (13):9781950354696

RRP:$17.99

Pub date:1 Nov 2021

High-res cover:Download Image

AWARDS

2021 Bookstagang’s Best Picture Books of 2021 Awards: Future Classic Picture Books - Winner

CATEGORIES / tags

AUTHOR

Kat Patrick

Kat Patrick recently realised they never actually grew up, and so they’ve been trying to make a living as a writer ever since. Originally from the UK, they have written their way around the world, and after stints in New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, Paris, and Patagonia, are now based in Glasgow.

ILLUSTRATOR

Hayley Wells

Hayley Wells is a UK-based illustrator who loves to grow vegetables and drink coffee. They have an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. This is their first picture book.

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We publish books that matter — narrative and literary nonfiction on important topics, and the best of local, international, and translated fiction.

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