Crafty Chloe

My niece and my friend's children all love to craft, so I was excited to see a bright, colorful, starred-review picture book about crafting. But I found some of the text a real turn off. Author DiPucchio states that Chloe is "very good at...making stuff," but prefaces this statement with negatives like "Chloe isn't very good at sports" and "she had the grace of a camel in roller blades"? Whether intentional or not, there seems to be an implication that crafting is for children who aren't good at other activities. The book is very charming in places, for example we learn that "anything becomes less boring with googly eyes on it" and see a picture of a younger brother covered in the crafting staple. In another part of the book Chloe has blue "Chicken Pops," the "washable kind." Unfortunately, the charming parts are overshadowed by further negativity. When Chloe announces her plan to make a handmade gift, a schoolmate named London "wrinkle[s] up her nose" and with a "snorty laugh" declares "Well, good luck with that!" I understand that sometimes it's important to introduce children to real life scenarios, even when they're unpleasant. However, the social interactions of the book have a "mean girls" edge and lack the nuance of Russell and Lillian Hoban's slowly unfolding tale A Bargain for Frances. Little kids absorb language like sponges, and I would rather not introduce snarky phrases to the 3- to 6-year old crowd. I also don't find it realistic that the trendy, unsympathetic London would instantly become friends with kind Chloe at the end of the story.On a bright note, the illustrations are lovely. There are a lot of nice touches, like end papers covered with hand-drawn scissors and rigatoni necklaces. Ross' expressive pictures capture dad's discombobulation and mom's lack of sufficient sleep. Ross infuses Chloe with personality by adding touches like Chloe squinting one eye while concentrating on gluing a project.Let me be clear, this is by no means a bad book. Many children will find it charming. However, considering some of the areas that could have been handled better, I'm just surprised that this received so many positive reviews. For me it takes a back seat to true winners like Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.

My kids both love this book (though unfortunately, my 3 year old innocently pronounces the title "Crappy Chloe"). I am currently teaching my 5 year old son to sew, and my daughter loves "making stuff" as well. They both seemed to understand the books message promoting gifts from the heart. The story also alludes to the fact that all children have some special talent, and not everyone will excel at the same activities. Chloe has found her passion early in life, and that is great! The character London may be a tad bit snarky for my young kids, so I just change some of the phrasing for now, simple enough. The illustrations are wonderful, by one of my favorite fabric designers, Heather Ross. I love to give this book as a birthday gift along with a handmade doll quilt and it is always a hit!

I bought this for my granddaughter, Chloe, who loves crafts. Unfortunately, the copy we received was worn and used. In addition, delivery took a vehicle.

So cute! My daughter is five and her name is Chloe. She can relate perfectly to this character because she is the artsy type that would rather be drawing and creating than anything else. But my favorite part of the book is the moral values it encourages.

Cute book about a child who is very creative and crafty. Makes a great gift for a young 5-8 year old and this is apicture book to be read to the child but the readers will enjoy the illustrations too.

This is such a sweet book. It encourages creativity and being yourself. Also shows the best gifts are handmade not always store bought. My 4 year old daughter loves it.

My 2 1/2 year old grandson wanted me to read it over & over. He especially liked the parts where Chloe stuck googly eye stickers on her baby brother while he was sleeping & where the stuck-up girl falls on her high heels. I identified with the parts where Chloe made clothes for her dog to model & other clever crafts.This book is suitable for children older than my grandson, too.

Amazing story for little girls. This is the #1 book for my 5 year old. She hunts the library over and over for this book each visit. If you have a crafty little girl this is the book for you. Great story.