We've had this book for a while and it's gradually become one of Coco's firm favourites. It's all based around a visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum - which in turn has inspired some of our own trips there, including a visit back in half term to see a little exhibition of the original illustrations by Emily Sutton (which is on until 19th January if you're interested).
I'm a bit of a book geek so I love to see some good end papers - this pattern was specially designed by the illustrator.
The story is about Clara Button who has a very special hat left to her by her Granny... when her brother breaks it she sneaks it into her bag to take with them to the V&A fashion galleries to see if she can find a milliner.
One thing that Coco noticed is that Clara's buttons on her own coat change in every picture...
Always makes me a little tempted to take part in some retail therapy with these illustrations of London department stores... although got to wonder what sort of distorted route they take in order to manage to see all of them on the way...
The book features a lot of exhibits and spaces at the museum, so it's great to read prior to a visit. We actually took it with us last time we went. There's definitly something great about being able to talk about what you are going to see before you see it, and so many things, although beautifully illustrated in the book are also pretty awe inspiring in real life.
So the chandelier in the hall, the cafe and Tippoo's Tiger all become must see things/places... along with a lot of hats.
The only, slight, downside is that there is a touch of slightly annoying stereotyping between Clara and her brother Ollie. Why is this becoming SO normal... and why do so many people not seem to get as bothered about it as I do?
Anyway - apart from the above I do think this is a great book - especially if you are planning a visit to the V&A. Coco will be getting the next Clara Button book in her stocking this year (when I get around to going and buying it).
Oh that's such a fabulous book, I love Emily Sutton's work, and hadn't realised there was an exhibition of the illustration from the book. I'd love to see that...
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