Review by Booklist Review
Feeling unable stand out in his large family because everyone wears identical white sheets, little Roderic the ghost tries a fashion makeover. Unfortunately, the outfit he comes up with a red scarf, multiple hats, and a yellow poncho with polka dots goes over like a lead balloon: "Young ghost, go and get changed. Right now." He decides to try his luck in the city, but gets no respect, or even notice, there. Noy adopts a serigraphic look for her digitally created scenes, suspending semitransparent white blobs with googly eyes among geometric arrays of brightly hued opaque shapes on plain monochromatic fields. Back home, Roderic's frustration finally explodes into a tantrum; as things go flying, he finds himself shrouded in a white, apple-patterned sheet that suddenly seems just right. Better yet, his defiance inspires not just admiration from his people but a flurry of imitation as everyone proceeds to experiment with individual looks. Budding fashionistas, or even younger readers with a modest aversion to disappearing, sartorially or otherwise, into the crowd may take heart from Roderic's example.--John Peters Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A nonconformist ghost with a flair for fashion stars in this picture book by Noy. Roderic feels invisible, and having to wear the standard white sheet doesn't help him stand out. He decides to give himself a makeover, experimenting with hats and scarves before settling on a fabulous yellow and orange poncho, plus accessories. Unfortunately, his new look draws only criticism: "Ghosts just don't dress like that," a disapproving relative says. In search of a more fashion-forward tribe, Roderic ventures to the city, but there too he feels unseen, sadly gazing out from a diverse, faceless crowd. Back at home, Roderic unsuccessfully experiments with alternate textiles. A shower curtain proves too damp, and a tablecloth leaves him smelling of peas; finally, he grows so frustrated that he starts tossing things around poltergeist-style, including a lively apple-print sheet that just might be "the right one." "I like wearing this," he proudly declares to his family, expressively determining to dress as he pleases. Primary and secondary colors and curvy, shapely graphics (occasionally accompanied by labels-"slime," "a bone") offer gentle energy to each page. A spirited spin on embracing difference. Ages 5-7. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The smallest ghost in the family yearns to be noticed.Little Roderic feels small and overlooked by his family. Wanting to be seen, he decides to try changing his appearance. On top of his standard white sheet, he adds a hatand then another and another. But that doesn't work out. Nor does a scarf. He tries taking off his white sheet (revealing his green, ectoplasmic essence) and changing his entire wardrobe, but that doesn't go over well with the family. "Ghosts just don't dress like that," his elders say. He tries going to the city, where perhaps people will notice and appreciate his fashion. But "they [don't] even see him." So he returns home, where he has been missed, and the family drapes him in another white sheet, but he doesn't settle for that. Roderic finally happens upon an outfit that feels just right, and he tells his family, "I am going to be different!!" Not only is he accepted, but his family is inspired to experiment too. The simple digital illustrations effectively use color and composition to set the endearing protagonist against unwelcoming crowds, including the city's multihued sea of people, and to highlight his mostly lonesome journey.Though the message is nothing new, the moments of humor and emotional resonance in this brave little ghost's story make this one worth a read. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
