Children's Lit Book Reviews

Summary: This book helps people discover the history of costumes from ancient loincloths and Roman togas to bustles, bonnets and the haute couture. It tells about clothes that have been worn in one form or another over the past several thousand years and why clothes are so crucial to even people living in today's society. It talks about how their intervention came about as people in early ages needed them to protect themselves from climates of all types, whether it be from the cold and rainy weather to the hot, dry and humid weather. L. Rowland takes much time and detail to inform readers of the many different styles of clothing with chapters entitled "Cool and Simple" to "Minis, Boots, and Bell Bottoms." Rowland even investigates the creation and invention of the sewing machine and how it revolutionized the clothing world in 1790. However, in 1851, American inventor Isaac Merrit Singer developed a even more practical sewing machine. Rowland also talks about how some of the first sewing machines were destroyed by large mobs due to the fact that many people, during this time, feared the loss of their jobs because of the new automation of the sewing machine. Further, as Rowland described it, little would those mobs know that the sewing machine revolution created a brand new sewing industry, creating far more jobs then they could have ever imagined. This book is completely original and provides an exciting look at the colorful history of clothes and fashion. With its magnificent, full-color photographs of original clothes, accessories and ornaments, worn by real-life men, women and children, it offers a unique and realistic view of the history of costume.
Who would benefit from reading this book? I think that all children would benefit from reading this very organized and detailed book about clothes and costumes. However, I do think that this book might especially draw in girls of all ages. This is a book that will captivate its readers. Therefore, I think that everyone who takes the time to read its pages will benefit from it.
What problems/concerns could this book potentially cause? I don't think that this book will cause any type of problems or concerns for any of its readers.
My reaction: This was a good book. I did think that the book was a bit wordy and it really wasn't my cup of tea. I say that, not because it wasn't written well, but mainly because it covers a topic that really isn't interesting for me. Yet, I think that this is a great book for children to read when it comes to educating them about the history of clothes. Therefore, I will recommend this book to all parents and even teachers.