Not That Tutu! Michelle Sinclair Colman

I am one who doesn't need a reason to wear a tutu. This book with a fabric tutu on the cover caught my eye immediately. 

Michelle Sinclair Colman's text shares the young, female protagonist, Taylor, who wears her tutu everywhere, despite the entire family questioning her choice. Hiroe Nakata's loose and bright illustrations keep the exchanges lighthearted and fun. 

"She wore her tutu on her sled.
"Not again," her brother teased."

Taylor shows how tutus can be worn with a swimsuit, snow pants, and cowboy boots. Of course when her tutu is in tatters, she is ready to make a great decision. It, too, surprises her family. Here's to strong-willed totz with great fashion sense!

Not That Tutu!
by Michelle Sinclair Colman
illustrated by Hiroe Nakata
Robin Corey Books, Random House

Michelle Sinclair Colman: Artsy Babies Wear Paint

This sturdy 20-page board book is perfect for small artsy totzy hands at 5 1/2" square. Whether they're throwing clay at the floor, making their own collections (of stuffed animals), enjoying a still life (by eating it), or posing (au naturel, of course), these urbane babies are sure to inspire a new generation of Picassos. With illustrations by Nathalie Dion the simple text is full of gentle humor about the totz artistic abilities.

About the author and illustrator:

After her first child was born, Michelle Sinclair Colman was inspired to create the first book in this series: Urban Babies Wear Black. Now Michelle draws her inspiration from two urban—and artsy!—children. She and her family make their home in Waccabuc, New York. Nathalie Dion studied graphic art at Concordia University.

Titles in this board book series:

• ARTSY BABIES WEAR PAINT
  
• BEACH BABIES WEAR SHADES
  
• COUNTRY BABIES WEAR PLAID
  
• ECO BABIES WEAR GREEN
  
• FOODIE BABIES WEAR BIBS
  
• JET-SET BABIES WEAR WINGS
  
• NEW BABY'S BABY JOURNAL
  
• ROCKER BABIES WEAR JEANS
  
• URBAN BABIES WEAR BLACK
  
• WINTER BABIES WEAR LAYERS
  

Artsy Babies Wear Paint

Author: Michelle Sinclair Colman

Illustrator: Nathalie Dion

Tricycle Press, 2011

Rocker Babies Wear Jeans

After a summer of my husband and daughter playing in a rock band, this board book won my heart! Get ready to be introduced to the Rocker Babies.

You'll recognize them as they tend to wear jeans, shake their booties, and go on the road. Of course they have groupies, hit high notes, and rock out.

Michelle Sinclair Colman's clever text spun on a popular theme will have you smiling and turning up the tunes for you and your totz. Nathalie Dion's illustrations hold a great mix of light color, sharp line, and fun patterns. The half spread in black fits the tone and subject perfectly.

I've enjoyed Rocker Babies Wear Jeans and recommend it for your readertotz!

Rocker Babies Wear Jeans
by Michelle Sinclair Colman
illustrations by Nathalie Dion
Tricycle Press, 2009