An inspiring picture book biography of the amazing Anne Lowe, the first nationally-known African American fashion designer!
A careful snip, a delicate fold.
Fabric the color of new petals.
Skirts that flare like upside-down blossoms.
A garden bursts into bloom!
There is no "good enough."
For Ann, only the best will do.
Award-winning author Kate Messner, costume historian Margaret E. Powell, and fashion designer and illustrator Erin Robinson tell the powerful story of the ground-breaking Ann Lowe, who grew up in a small Alabama dress shop and became the first nationally-known African American fashion designer. Sought after by millionaires and movie stars, her designs walked the red carpet and graced the wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier.
At a time when the world around her thought African Americans deserved no more than second-class treatment, Ann expects no less of herself, and no less FOR herself, than the BEST.
THE FIRST, FAMED BLACK FASHION DESIGNER: Although she faced many hardships, Anne's spirit, talent, and belief in herself always shone through. This story provides an empowering, real-life role model for young girls—and especially Black girls—to relate to and see themselves in, at an age when building self-confidence is more important than ever!
ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY AND PERSERVERENCE: Full of interesting details about how Anne came up with her designs, and how she always forged ahead in spite of setbacks, this true story will captivate aspiring artists and young creative thinkers alike.
SURE OF HER OWN WORTH: This book makes a perfect gift for anyone looking to celebrate, empower, and inspire the women in their lives—whether daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins, or friends. Ann Lowe stands as a testament to the power of knowing we're both capable of and deserve ONLY THE BEST.
BEAUTIFUL, IMMERSIVE PROSE: Wonderful, vivacious writing by award-winning author Kate Messner and expert historian Margaret E. Powell brings Anne's pride in herself and her work to life in rich detail!
Perfect for:
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
- Teachers and librarians
- Readers who loved Little Leaders and Parker Looks Up
- The vast #WeNeedDiverseBooks community
- Anyone seeking books about Black excellence, female empowerment, or Black history
- Gift-givers looking for a beautiful, inspirational book for the girls (or women) in their lives
Available on Amazon
(affiliate link included)
**My thoughts**
I came across this title in a February Black History Month listing of children's books. I was fascinated by this story of Ann Lowe. I am not very into fashion, but still like to learn about influential people in history. I was especially fascinated by the fact that she created Jacqueline Bouvier's dress for her wedding to John F. Kennedy. And when you look at the painstaking way she created all of those individual decorations, you cannot help but be blown away. I don't know how she did it all and so quickly!
Ann's tenacity and drive are inspiring, even to this middle-aged woman. I would love to recapture some of that drive and passion in my own life. I can see children being inspired by her story, wanting to become fashion designers in their own right. You could use this book for Black History Month or Women's History Month. Of course, I am a fan of learning about both of these topics on a year-round basis.
You'll be able to touch on American history and oppression, as it talks about how Ann created designs, but her employers would take all of the credit. She had to sit by herself in a room while taking classes, because no other Black woman had ever been at that school before. Ann serves as inspiration for standing up for yourself, such as when she is at first denied entrance into the senator's home via the front door. She serves as inspiration for regrouping and pushing through tough times, like when a flood ruined several pieces right before the wedding. And those who are interested in art can take a deeper dive into her creations as well as the stunning illustrations by Erin K. Robinson. In a time of mostly computer-generated art flooding the children's book world, it's refreshing to see original, painstaking work using a variety of media.
I would recommend this for kindergarten and older. And as always, have conversations with the children as they are reading it.
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