What a sweet book. I love the idea of thinking about Elizabeth I as a little girl, and I am sure young children will relate to the annoyance of having to get dressed, teeth scrubbed and hair brushed when they would much rather be playing or staying in bed.
Rhyming books are always winners and are great for reading aloud and sharing with young children. Children will love searching for the last word in each verse. They will also love looking for the little mouse that is hiding on every page. An historical read enhanced by the informative information at the back of the book explaining the fashion and personal habits of the time. I think children will be both fascinated and repulsed by such habits as teeth cleaning with soot and being sewn into one’s clothes.
The illustrations are gorgeous, rich and colourful, with wonderful attention to Tudor detail in the costumes, carpets, hangings and architecture. It is amazing how much information has been packed into this book. It is a beautiful introduction to Tudor history and simple rhyme.
Even the Queen of England has to get up and groomed to greet the day Get up, Elizabeth! It's time for the future queen to get out of bed, scrub her face with almond paste, brush her teeth with soot, comb the tangles out of her unruly red hair, get dressed, and sit still while her ruff is sewn on and her sleeves are pinned. It's rough rising and shining every day-for queens and kids alike.
This playful picture book written in rhyme by Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author Shirin Yim Bridges and illustrated in rich Tudor colours by Alea Marley gives readers a glimpse into the surprising and intriguing grooming habits of Tudor times and saves the big reveal for the end: this little girl who is reluctantly pulled out of bed just like them went on to become Queen Elizabeth I.
Shirin Yim Bridges is the award-winning author of Ruby's Wish, winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Award. In addition, she founded and is the former publisher of Goosebottom Books, which published the series The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames and The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses. This is her first book for Cameron Kids. She lives in Foster City and Fort Bragg, California.
