Coco and the Little Black Dress
“Hurry up! You may only go to bed when all the sheets are ironed.”
Little Coco grew up in the orphanage and had to work hard for a living sewing and embroidering like an angel. Until her eighteenth birthday . . . Coco knew one thing for sure Coco. She would never, never be poor again.
A beautifully illustrated picture book biography of Coco Chanel. Coco Chanel (1883-1971) was a famous French fashion designer. Born into a poor family, strictly brought up in the orphanage, influenced by the style of wealthy suitors , she remained faithful throughout her life to the simplicity. A luxurious simplicity , which has produced memorable style icons like the little black dress and perfume Chanel No. 5.
Without question, the book is a delight to read and probably will become a keepsake for those who will have this read to them as a bedtime tale.
Jeffrey Felner, New York Journal of Books
Van Haeringen's spare artwork is simply beautiful and reflects Chanel's approach to fashion. Vibrant touches of watercolor among delicate pen-and-ink drawings bring to mind Ludwig Bemelmans's Madeline. Infused with humor, this Cinderella-esque tale should appeal to readers.
School Library Journal
Van Haeringen's spare mixed-media illustrations throughout this tiny tribute are as alluring as her subject's timeless designs, capturing the eye with fine pen and ink detail, stark colors, warm watercolor shading, and Bemelmans-like playfulness...as a picture book, it is utterly endearing.
Kirkus Reviews
Van Haeringen’s illustrations, black line drawings with dabs of color against expanses of white, are drawn with a precise yet whimsical panache that brilliantly suits their subject.
New York Times Book Review
The line-drawn illustrations, often resembling fashion sketches, use white space and pops of color to maximum effect...the book’s simple elegance is perfectly suited to the story of Coco and her iconic black dress.
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