THE DRESS I'LL WEAR TO THE PARTY
by Shirley Neitzel & illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker
Like this team's delightful The Jacket I Wear in the Snow (1989): a childlike cumulative story about getting dressed—and then, in a surprise reversal, undressed. The costume of the little girl here becomes elaborate indeed, especially as seen in the rebuses that replace items after their introduction: ``This is the handkerchief, edged in lace, that polishes the [pearls] I wear near my face, when I spray the [perfume] that scents the air, as I toss the [ribbon] I pin in my hair...'' When the addition of diamond clips begins to stretch credulity, Mother arrives to reverse the entire process, declaring, ``You may not wear my things to the party!'' Just the thing to introduce the costume box. (Picture book. 3-7)