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I CAN DRESS MYSELF! by Birte Müller

I CAN DRESS MYSELF!

by Birte Müller & illustrated by Birte Müller & translated by Marianne Martens

Pub Date: May 1st, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-7358-2128-6
Publisher: NorthSouth

Müller’s tale, originally published in Switzerland, loses nothing in translation, proving that precocious preschoolers are alike worldwide. In this case, it’s an independent young bunny named Daisy who is adamant about selecting and donning her own garb. With a fierce desire for self-autonomy—a scenario all too familiar to caregivers—Daisy draws the proverbial line in the sand, determined to handle getting ready for the park on her own. Müller exhibits a wry understanding of the dangers of getting into a power struggle with someone in the preschool years, and Daisy’s mom wisely yields the battle in a strategy to win the war, which in Daisy’s case is dressing appropriately for an outing. After intense deliberation and plenty of input from her favorite stuffed carrot, Daisy emerges ready for her jaunt. While Daisy’s struggle for independence will resonate with young readers, their caregivers will appreciate Müller’s wryly humorous take on the subject. The full-bleed illustrations are gently blurred, creating an overall effect of movement and energy entirely apropos of Daisy’s personality. Bright colors and remarkably human-like expressions on Daisy and her increasingly exasperated mother further the appeal. (Picture book. 3-6)