“I like old clothes” is reiterated again and again in this re-issue of Mary Ann Hoberman’s 1976 poem, but with new illustrations by Patrice Barton that are an ideal match for the rhyming text. An inspired girl and her little brother celebrate the wonder of hand-me-downs as they play dress up. She imagines all sorts of scenarios and previous wearers as she re-fashions party dresses and plays in mended clothes. The text has a nice flow as it shows them trying on clothes that were shown on the opening pages in a second-hand clothing store. The mixed-media illustrations are created with delicate pencil lines and are softly shaded and diaphanous, much like the clothes in the text. Backgrounds and embellishments reflect a sewing theme: buttons as flowers, fabrics as grass, etc. The title would be ideal to read aloud and share with a group of young pre-readers. This homage to vintage apparel would be a worthwhile addition to a school library collection. Barton's mixed media sketches are delightful. The pastels are and browns give the entire book a vintage feel and Hoberman's text of the story offers a love story to used clothes. Thrift-store lovers and dresser-uppers will enjoy the story. All the illustrations are layered and textured and patterned. To some it may feel hodge-podgish, but to me they seem to work well to create eclectic and cozy imagery. After reading this, I want to find some old clothes and see what I can make...
What do You think about I Like Old Clothes (2012)?
I like the sentiment, but am not sure that kids will like it. I love the illustrations.
—Hanszy
