Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli

Full disclosure, I am a HUGE Kyo Maclear fan and love everything she writes.  Bloom is no exception.  Throw in the fact it is illustrated by the magnificent Julie Morstad and you have a five star picture book on your hands. 

Bloom is the true story about avant guard fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli; miles ahead of her time and not afraid to be bold, outrageous, and creative.  Honestly, after reading the book I fell down a Google rabbit hole, needing to know more information about this incredibly courageous woman.  The drive to learn more about a subject is the mark of a fantastic book.  This story will have your students/children wanting to learn more.  Bloom provides an excellent portrayal of Elsa Schiaparelli without being overly wordy and overly detailed.  It’s perfect for the 6-10 year old audience.  I would even share it with those younger and older, especially as an anchor text to any discussion about perseverance and courage.  Kyo Maclear gets to the heart of who Schiaparelli was and her impact on the world of fashion and the women’s movement.  Julie Morstad's illustrations are so vibrant and perfectly evoke the feelings in each scene.  The cover art is so incredibly eye catching, you won't be able to stop yourself from grabbing Bloom of the shelf!

Bloom is an incredibly timely book which provides encouragement to those out there who may feel less than.  It is a study in beauty and how we define beauty in ourselves and in what we view in the world.  Schiaparelli continues to be an example for all young people who strive to add a little colour and light to the world, to those just waiting to Bloom.