The Kettles Get New Clothes - Hardcover

Dayle Ann Dodds is the author of several books for children, including SING SOPHIE!, THE GREAT DIVIDE, and PET WASH. Of THE KETTLES GET NEW CLOTHES, she says, "When I was a girl, we spent our summers in the mountains. There were no stores nearby, so as fall approached, we pored over clothes catalogs and the prints, colors, and styles we wanted. Returning home for school, we’d find a big box filled with the clothes we had ordered. Some fit, some didn’t, but it was always fun, G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D!"

Jill McElmurry has also illustrated Lilian Moore’s poetry collection for young readers, I'M SMALLl. She says about this story, "I’d heard about the Kettles and their need for new clothes. Imagine my surprise when I was introduced to them and realized that they were dogs. I love dogs! I love new clothes! I knew then that this was the story for me."

On their annual trip to the big city, the Kettles, a family of floppy-eared dogs, know exactly what they want: "Brand-new clothes, plain and simple as you please." But their favorite store is now in the hands of Monsieur Pip, a French-accented Scottie who promises: "My customers are always happy./ G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D." The ensuing give-and-take between the flashy salesman and the bumpkin Kettles lies at the heart of Dodds's (Sing Sophie!) amusing story. In four scenes, the Kettles try on Monsieur Pip's outlandish clothes, emerging in a parade of patterns. Monsieur Pip tries to convince them to buy ("Paisley... is perky and spry. I love it, don't you? Just give it a try"), but the Kettles aren't sold ("Too perky," said Father./ "Too spry" said Mother./ "Don't love it," said Sister./ "Nor I!" said Brother). McElmurry supports Dodds's playful mimicry with vivid, merry illustrations drawn against textured backgrounds; in the paisley costume change, for instance, the Kettles look like '60s hipsters. The story ends with a tail-wagging twist: the older Kettles may prefer their clothes plain and simple, but Baby Kettle digs stripes and plaids (ensemble!). This engaging book will earn giggles from kids who love a good joke, G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D. Ages 4-8.
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