SYLVIA JEAN, DRAMA QUEEN

Sylvia Jean is a young swine with a sartorial style all her own. She wears elaborate costumes every day, from the simple (a clown or a bee) to the sophisticated (Albert Einstein or the Statue of Liberty). In fact, Sylvia Jean is never seen without her amazing dress-up clothes. But when a costume contest is announced at a local shop, Sylvia Jean is at a loss for an idea for a spectacular outfit due to her previous extensive experience with costumes of every sort. She agonizes over how to create something unique, and eventually arrives at the party in “disguise,” in a simple dress, as just herself. Ernst creates a dynamic personality for Sylvia Jean, with delightful details in the costumes and clever touches in illustrations and text that will amuse both children and adults. The polished illustrations and a pleasing design—with insets surrounded by zigzag borders—complement the humorous story and funny dialogue. (Picture book. 4-7)