November 30, 2020
Patrick, a round-headed kid with orange curls, freckles, and pale skin, loves a particular pair of “perfect and purple” polka-dotted tights. He finds myriad uses for the hosiery—wearing them as insulation under snow pants, transforming them into a leash to walk the dog, complementing a dress as he struts down the catwalk—which causes sibling tension because the tights in question belong to his older sister, Penelope. When Penelope wears the tights and ruins them with an extensive hot fudge sundae stain, Patrick is crushed—until his parents surprise him with a treat from the local superstore. Haley’s expressive digital illustrations emphasize different textures and patterns throughout, making Patrick’s emotions, and love of colorful stockings, immediate for young readers. McCurry joyfully celebrates one child’s carefree clothing creativity while modeling a supportive family alongside realistic sibling interactions. Ages 5–7.