Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure by Derek Desierto, Eva Chen
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 29, 2019
ISBN: 1250297303
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Advertised for grades pre-1

This colorful picture book explores a little girl’s dilemma in choosing an outfit for picture day at school.  The theme of the book is that she will eventually gain the self-confidence to express herself in a way she feels comfortable.

Juno travels through time and meets 10 female icons who share their fashion tips with her.  The book has a section in the back that briefly highlights each woman and their role in history.

Even though the premise of the book is that Juno will find her own vision of fashion, each role model she encounters gives her a piece of their wardrobe for Juno to layer on, items that they felt helped with “their” self-confidence.  They don’t give Juno a chance to choose, it is just passed on to her.   I shared this book with a young girl in my library, who loves everything princess and girly.  She liked the artwork (the hair pictures are snippets of real hair photographs), but she was lost at the references to the women.

I would not recommend this book.  The addition of iconic women doesn’t overshadow the value placed on fashion, and the lack of individuality that Juno is allowed.

Reviewed By Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Public Library, Castine