Longlisted for the UKLA Book Award 2022 ages 3-6 |
May 2021 Book of the Month
It is an unusual sight to see a completely naked toddler on the cover of a picture book, but you can tell from his smile as he jauntily stomps across the page that this child is gloriously unashamed, inhabiting that brief interlude in early childhood before self-consciousness sets in. Both here and throughout the book Fred is drawn and positioned so cleverly that his modesty is preserved, and the title reassures the audience that he will get covered up eventually. But first he romps and dances through the house revelling in his freedom, while Mum and Dad blithely carry on reading. Nothing to make a fuss about here! We see his natural curiosity lead him to explore his parent’s bedroom and their wardrobes. Dad’s clothes prove too difficult to handle, but from Mum’s wardrobe he makes a dress from a blouse and scarf. He then totters out on some shoes to try his hand at makeup but ends up with a smear of lipstick across his face, just as Mum and Dad discover him. Their reaction - to clean him up and for Mum to show him how to do it properly and then for Dad and the Dog to join in the fun is simply delightful! A shining example of parental love, acceptance and support. You can never be too young to hear a body positive message told with such innocence and infectious delight.
Fred loves to be naked! He romps around his house naked and wild and free. Until he romps into his parents' bedroom and is inspired, finally, to get dressed. But there's so much in the wardrobe! What will Fred choose?
This charming and humorous story was inspired by Peter Brown's own childhood, and highlights in playful and exuberant fashion non-traditional gender roles and self-expression. This is Peter Brown's first picture book as author-illustrator in five years and show cases his glorious art and mischievous, thought-provoking text to perfection.
Peter Brown is the author and illustrator of many bestselling children's books, including the fabulously funny Mr Tiger Goes Wild. He has won a Caldecott Honor and a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book award. Peter lives in New York.
