12 Days of Picture Books: Mitford at the Fashion Zoo by Donald Robertson

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Well I can officially say that the business of my week took a toll on my brain. This post should have been LIVE early this morning and when I scheduled it out...it's posting NOW.  *-*  So sorry everyone!  Trust me though, it's definitely a case of saving the best for last or rather later in the day.

Time to dive back into the 12 Days of Picture Books celebration (already in progress) from Penguin Young Readers.  If you didn't already know, it stars 12 fabulous Picture Book titles from their recent catalog additions that would make a sweet addition to anyone's holiday reading, or shopping list.  I've actually featured a few of the titles here over the past several weeks and a few others are still to come, but without further ado, let's turn our attention to today's book of choice and "12 Days..." title....

Mitford at the Fashion Zoo

by

Donald Robertson

9780451475428

Viking Books for Young Readers

Think Devil Wears Prada meets 13 Going on 30, aimed at the kiddo set but PERFECTO for all ages!

Mitford is the most adorable wanna be fashion editor's assistant EVER!  Truly!  Unlike in the actual model industry where those resembling giraffes are glorified, Mitford's gangly appearance, individual awkwardness, and inexperience in the industry work totally against him.  It's not until Panda Summers, THE editor at 'Cover', is in desperate need that NHR Mouse decides to give him a chance.  A hope, a sneeze, and some ingenuity later, and Mitford has inadvertently secured his place in the fashion industry, endearing himself to all in need, and showing he has a real nose for the business.

I'm serious readers, this book is 100% fun!  From cover to cover with all the words in-between, it tells a story all can relate to while relaying the message that dreams are never out of reach unless you give up on them.  The illustrations throughout truly resemble the artwork you'd see in a new-line-design type of portfolio and thoroughly represent each situation Mitford finds himself in from exasperated start to stunning solution.  Try not to laugh as he gets Shark Jakobs out from behind his fashion rut.  Keep your grin in check when traffic is standing between Panda Summers' arrival at the fashion show and Mitford comes through with a "modern" mode of transport.  Attempt to contain your bubbling mirth when Zap's fashion show is a slithering success thanks to a last minute cameo by some out of work actresssssss thanks to Mitford's ingenuity.

In short, it's a TALL tale to tell with several large shoes to fill, but who better to do it than Mitford and you can bet they'll be fashionable from every angle.  Recommended for the tall to the small as it has something for everyone.  The little ones will enjoy the images, slightly older will get the humorous situations, and the adults will see the hidden laughs and play on names/words throughout. 

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About the author...

Donald Robertson is a Toronto-born/New-York & LA- based artist whose prolific career spans decades and industries. Robertson has dedicated his whole career to the creative industry, most recently rejoining Estée Lauder on special projects where he works today. To his credits, Donald worked with the founders of MAC Cosmetics, where he helped launch VivaGlam to raise millions globally for the fight against AIDS. Next trading in beauty for fashion, Robertson launched American Marie Claire before redesigning American Glamour with Conde Nast and Hearst.   In the past two years, he has focused free time on his solo art career after Instagram launched him into the global spotlight where the press has named him the “Andy Warhol of Instagram.” His interview by Lee Woodruff aired on CBS This Morning, adding to countless features in publications including CR Fashionbook, Vanity Fair UK, Vogue Korea, Vogue Brazil, Harper’s Bazaar, the NY Post, and InStyle Magazine. Among his many projects, recent highlights include an art show at Colette in Paris, collaborations with prolific fashion designers including Giles Deacon, Jenna Lyons of J Crew, and shoe designer Brian Atwood, his first solo gallery show at Eric Firestone Gallery in East Hampton, and the birth of his two twin boys, Charlie and Henry.  This summer, Donald took over the windows of Bergdorf Goodman as he prepares for his first book release, Mitford and the Fashion Zoo. Follow him on Instagram @drawbertson.

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Special thanks to Rachel at Penguin Young Readers for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the full tour, or the publisher's ever growing catalog, be sure to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.


Need some ideas on what to give the readers in your life this holiday season?  Stop by the Penguin Young Readers Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect gift and don't forget to stop by their FACEBOOK PAGE to enter to win some of the titles featured on the tour!

STAY TUNED right here as we explore a few others titles during this 12 day celebration of bookish wonders perfect for readers of all ages to discover under their trees (or menorahs, or however you visibly celebrate your holiday) this season.

Until next time...happy reading!