Maggie and Michael Get Dressed by Denise Fleming (review)

When his mom tells him to get dressed, Michael puts his clothes on . . . the dog, Maggie. He starts with a pair of yellow socks (“Socks go on your feet, Maggie, not in your mouth,” he cheerfully chides the playful pup), then continues to dress his compliant canine in an orange-striped green shirt and blue pants (while the family cat observes in horror). Shoes and a hat follow before Michael realizes that he’s left out a crucial item: “We forgot underwear, Maggie!” he chortles, and soon Maggie prances around with the underwear on her head. A reminder from his mom finally kicks Michael into gear (and into his gear), and he finally heads out of the house, but he returns later to find Maggie still playing with one of his shirts and a stray boot. The very end loses a bit of steam, but the interactions between Michael and Maggie are a delight, and the inclusion of color descriptors (printed in type of the relevant color) for the articles of clothing adds to the book’s instructional potential. The spare text, all dialogue, is printed in a large, dark font which, when coupled with the bold, simple compositions (all the action takes place against the same yellow-striped walls and lime-green flooring), makes this a superb selection for large-group sharing. Fleming’s textured pulp-painting technique is employed to fine effect here, and grinning, light-brown-skinned Michael and perky-eared, black and white Maggie are an attractive and lively duo. Although this may prompt some time-consuming imitation in pet-owning homes, parents, teachers, and librarians alike will want to have a copy of this vivacious volume at the ready.