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Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head
Discover the true story of how a shy miner’s daughter became one of the most legendary costume designers in Hollywood in this inspiring nonfiction picture book biography.
As a child in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada, Edith Head had few friends and spent most of her time dressing up her toys and pets and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She always knew she wanted to move somewhere full of people and excitement. She set her sights on Hollywood and talked her way into a job sketching costumes for a movie studio.
Did she know how to draw or sew costumes? No. But that didn’t stop her!
Edith taught herself and tirelessly worked her way up until she was dressing some of the biggest stars of the day, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly to Ginger Rogers. She became the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio costume department and went on to win eight Academy Awards for best costume design—and she defined the style of an era.
As a child in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada, Edith Head had few friends and spent most of her time dressing up her toys and pets and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She always knew she wanted to move somewhere full of people and excitement. She set her sights on Hollywood and talked her way into a job sketching costumes for a movie studio.
Did she know how to draw or sew costumes? No. But that didn’t stop her!
Edith taught herself and tirelessly worked her way up until she was dressing some of the biggest stars of the day, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly to Ginger Rogers. She became the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio costume department and went on to win eight Academy Awards for best costume design—and she defined the style of an era.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
3094 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Walker Harvey
15 books286 followersJeanne loves finding a true story (especially about an inspiring creative person) that is engaging and fascinating, and then using her creativity to tell the story. She hopes children will have a love of words and understand the power and beauty of words.
Ever since she was a child, Jeanne dreamed of being a childrens book author. Along the way she has had many jobs, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney for high-tech companies to a writer of magazine articles to a teacher of Language Arts and writing workshops at a public middle school. She studied literature and psychology at Stanford University, and volunteered for many years at the local public school library, the Marin County Literacy Program, as a docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and as a board member for both the Sausalito Public Library and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
She lives in Northern California. She has two wonderful grown sons and an adorable adopted cat. As she prefers silence when she is writing, her cat is a perfect companion because she sits on her papers and only walks across her laptop when she wants to be petted. Jeanne loves to take breaks by dancing in classes, hiking in nature, and gardening (especially growing flowers).
Ever since she was a child, Jeanne dreamed of being a childrens book author. Along the way she has had many jobs, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney for high-tech companies to a writer of magazine articles to a teacher of Language Arts and writing workshops at a public middle school. She studied literature and psychology at Stanford University, and volunteered for many years at the local public school library, the Marin County Literacy Program, as a docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and as a board member for both the Sausalito Public Library and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
She lives in Northern California. She has two wonderful grown sons and an adorable adopted cat. As she prefers silence when she is writing, her cat is a perfect companion because she sits on her papers and only walks across her laptop when she wants to be petted. Jeanne loves to take breaks by dancing in classes, hiking in nature, and gardening (especially growing flowers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 1, 2022
TITLE: Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head
AUTHOR: Jeanne Walker Harvey
ILLUSTRATOR: Diana Toledano
PUB DATE: 09.20.2022 Now available
Dressing Up the Stars is an exquisitely illustrated picture book and a wonderfully told biography about famous Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. I love how the story is told through a very inspiring narrative about a young girl with big dreams, who wanted to live in a big city, and dress Hollywood stars. Through hard work, conviction, and determination she finds her dreams come true.
The illustration is fabulous, and I enjoyed the simple drawings with elaborate patterns that brings texture to the pages. I love the fine details and the representation of Edith Head’s famous straight black hair and round glasses. I enjoy and find the colors pleasant and simply stunning.
Dressing Up the Stars is a great picture book to be read aloud to children, but readers of all ages will enjoy this beautiful piece of literature and art.
AUTHOR: Jeanne Walker Harvey
ILLUSTRATOR: Diana Toledano
PUB DATE: 09.20.2022 Now available
Dressing Up the Stars is an exquisitely illustrated picture book and a wonderfully told biography about famous Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. I love how the story is told through a very inspiring narrative about a young girl with big dreams, who wanted to live in a big city, and dress Hollywood stars. Through hard work, conviction, and determination she finds her dreams come true.
The illustration is fabulous, and I enjoyed the simple drawings with elaborate patterns that brings texture to the pages. I love the fine details and the representation of Edith Head’s famous straight black hair and round glasses. I enjoy and find the colors pleasant and simply stunning.
Dressing Up the Stars is a great picture book to be read aloud to children, but readers of all ages will enjoy this beautiful piece of literature and art.
October 19, 2022
I was always fascinated by Edith Head; growing up, I remember seeing her frequently on the Art Linkletter Show. To me, she was the epitome of class. The illustrations in this book are great, and well worth examining the small details (for example, a Singer Sewing store in a street scene.) The shiny gold Oscar and embossed letters on the cover are examples of the care taken as well. It is a great story of persisting and developing your talents. My only wish: that there would have been more examples of the costumes she designed.
November 23, 2022
3 stars (I liked it)
I did not know who Edith Head was before reading this book. It was interesting to hear about her life but I just feel like the actual story doesn't convey how amazing Head was (which I know because of the author's note at the end).
I did not know who Edith Head was before reading this book. It was interesting to hear about her life but I just feel like the actual story doesn't convey how amazing Head was (which I know because of the author's note at the end).
February 3, 2023
Very well done. Starts with Edith's childhood and how she was drawn to dress design. Everything focuses on her becoming an Academy Award winning superstar. It shows kids how your work can be rejected but you keep learning and striving to become the best.
November 7, 2022
Many years ago when I watched the Oscars with my mom, we were always waiting for a glimpse of Edith Head. Usually we didn’t have to wait long, because over the course of her career she won 8 awards for best costume design and was nominated 35 times. We loved seeing the dress she designed for herself, along with her signature hairstyle and round glasses.
For this reason when Blue Slip Media offered this book for me to review, I jumped at the chance. As always with picture book biographies, I learned so much. Edith spent her early years in the desert, being home schooled with only her friends other than her pets and the desert animals as friends. To entertain herself, she made outfits for her animal buddies and filled her doll house with furniture with the scraps of fabric she gathered from townspeople on her infrequent visits to Searchlight, Nevada. When it was time for high school, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles. There her love of the movies took root. After college and a few years of teaching French, she got a dream job in the costume department of a Hollywood movie studio. It took several years and many mistakes, but she finally grew to be the designer we all remember.
This picture book biography, with the colorful pictures and the inspiring story of how a shy little girl achieved her dream through determination and hard work, is the latest addition to my collection of biographies about strong women. Although my identical twin granddaughters are just six months old, one day I plan to share these stories about women who worked hard to follow their dreams. It’s available today.
September 9, 2022
Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Growing up in the San Bernadino California, Edith Head was a shy and lonely child. Instead of playing with the other children, she often found herself by herself, playing games with her imaginary friends. She had a coveted bag of fabric that she used to make odds and ends and eventually Edith ignored her shyness enough to ask neighbors for scraps of fabric.
Edith enrolled in a high school in Los Angeles where she discovered the movie business. After graduating and becoming a teacher, Edit eventually made her way back to movies and became a costume sketch artist for a Hollywood studio.
Dressing Up the Stars shows Edith's years of work and studying her craft led to jobs in some of Hollywood's most famous movies. Despite some naysayers, Edith found herself defending her costume designs against the opinions of directors and actors. Success eventually finds Edith and she wins an Oscar award for Best Costume Design!
Focusing on Edith Head's headstrong desire to succeed at costumes, Dressing Up the Stars offers a glimpse into the creativity and sheer determination of a famous costume designer. The illustrations by Diana Toledano are colorful and whimsical, showing Edith Head at work and daydreaming of success. Some illustrations are sketched so that they almost pop off the page in a 3D style, and hold some interesting details that children will appreciate.
Growing up in the San Bernadino California, Edith Head was a shy and lonely child. Instead of playing with the other children, she often found herself by herself, playing games with her imaginary friends. She had a coveted bag of fabric that she used to make odds and ends and eventually Edith ignored her shyness enough to ask neighbors for scraps of fabric.
Edith enrolled in a high school in Los Angeles where she discovered the movie business. After graduating and becoming a teacher, Edit eventually made her way back to movies and became a costume sketch artist for a Hollywood studio.
Dressing Up the Stars shows Edith's years of work and studying her craft led to jobs in some of Hollywood's most famous movies. Despite some naysayers, Edith found herself defending her costume designs against the opinions of directors and actors. Success eventually finds Edith and she wins an Oscar award for Best Costume Design!
Focusing on Edith Head's headstrong desire to succeed at costumes, Dressing Up the Stars offers a glimpse into the creativity and sheer determination of a famous costume designer. The illustrations by Diana Toledano are colorful and whimsical, showing Edith Head at work and daydreaming of success. Some illustrations are sketched so that they almost pop off the page in a 3D style, and hold some interesting details that children will appreciate.
October 30, 2022
As a fan of old Hollywood, I recognized Edith Head’s costumes right away. I mean–Grace Kelly in Rear Window, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Tippi Hedren in The Birds, Fred Astaire in Holiday Inn, Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii–anyone?!? And this is just the tip of the iceberg of Head’s designing. She was nominated for an Academy Award THIRTY FIVE times and won EIGHT making her the most awarded woman in the Academy’s history. But yet, she was behind the scenes and not as well known as the actors in front of the camera, so I am so happy to have this picture book biography to bring to light her genius. A self-taught young woman with no experience fighting her way up to being an Oscar winner–yes, please! Harvey does a fantastic job of sharing Edith’s magic from her childhood dreams to her adult reality and Toledano’s illustrations work perfectly for Edith’s style and costumes.
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/23465
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/23465
September 26, 2022
A picture book biography of legendary costume designer Edith Head. I like that there's a children's biography on an important figure that doesn't have a million biographies already. But this one feels like it skips over things and the story almost moves too quickly. For instance, it tells how Edith was almost fired because costumes were falling apart on one movie set and she begged for another chance. The next page is how she continued to work hard and eventually became an Oscar winner. There's a missing piece between those two events.
Still, a nice intro to a figure many probably recognize but don't realize they know.
Still, a nice intro to a figure many probably recognize but don't realize they know.
September 20, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, written by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Diana Toledano, a look at the life of the famed designer.
Growing up in a tiny desert mining town in Nevada, little Edith longed for a little more excitement and adventure than the dusty desert horizon. She amused herself by hosting tea parties for toys and pets, as well as collecting scrap fabric and fashioning outfits for them. Having the opportunity to attend high school in Los Angeles, Edith was immediately smitten with the glamour and bustle of Hollywood movies, and after a brief time as a teacher, she worked her way into costume design… despite having zero talent for sketching! Edith faced several setbacks and hurdles to overcome during her climb to notoriety, but eventually became the most respected and awarded costume designer in American film history.
Encouraging and fun, but noticeably uneven. There are absolutely some fun and funny stories about the unlikely and rocky start to this titan of costuming’s legacy, and Harvey should be commended for focusing equally on Head’s unsuccessful as well as successful ventures, as it shows young readers that mistakes and hard work are inevitable on the path to success. Yet while the stories about Edith’s early life and career are absolutely charming and give the reader a good sense of her early passion for design, it leaves little room for the period of her life during while she was actually revolutionizing her industry. The narrative is half-comprised of Edith’s childhood, then jumps quickly from her rocky early years to her rising stardom to her earliest successes with scarcely a breath. It’s a little disappointing, as it feels like much of what made Edith Head so extraordinary in her field isn’t explored nearly as much as it could have been. Otherwise, Toledano’s illustrations are a stylish treat, the length is fine for a storytime, and JJ especially enjoyed the spread on Edith’s ignoble run as an animal actor costumer. Overall, worth a look, especially as a lesson on perseverance – Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
November 28, 2022
Most kids today likely haven’t heard of Edith Head, but her years designing costumes for some of the most famous stars and movies during the 1940s to 1980s led her to earn her own Walk of Fame Star in Hollywood.
Edith was a girl who lived in the middle of the desert with no siblings to play with. She dressed up her pets and had tea parties with her dolls to entertain herself. When the family went to town, she asked for fabric scraps from the ladies in town and even made costumes for her friends who liked to perform on stage. That was never Edith’s interest though. She preferred to be behind the scenes even always wearing black, grey, or white so the stars she was dressing would shine and not her.
After a lot of failure and years of hard work, Edith finally got the chance to create costumes for some of the biggest stars in the movies. Some of her famous designs were worn by actors Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Julie Andrews, Jane Fonda, and even Steve Martin. She even accepted numerous Academy Awards for Best Costume Design.
With Edith’s small town and quiet upbringing she never would have guessed she would be creating costumes for famous movie stars. Her hard work, initiative to try new things, and willingness to stand up for herself helped Edith become the famous costume designer that movie directors begged to have on their sets.
If you have a child who loves fashion or movies, choose to watch one of the old movies that Edith created costumes for like “White Christmas” and read this book. Her inspiring story may just lead your child to be the next Academy Award winner for Best Costume Design.
Edith was a girl who lived in the middle of the desert with no siblings to play with. She dressed up her pets and had tea parties with her dolls to entertain herself. When the family went to town, she asked for fabric scraps from the ladies in town and even made costumes for her friends who liked to perform on stage. That was never Edith’s interest though. She preferred to be behind the scenes even always wearing black, grey, or white so the stars she was dressing would shine and not her.
After a lot of failure and years of hard work, Edith finally got the chance to create costumes for some of the biggest stars in the movies. Some of her famous designs were worn by actors Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Julie Andrews, Jane Fonda, and even Steve Martin. She even accepted numerous Academy Awards for Best Costume Design.
With Edith’s small town and quiet upbringing she never would have guessed she would be creating costumes for famous movie stars. Her hard work, initiative to try new things, and willingness to stand up for herself helped Edith become the famous costume designer that movie directors begged to have on their sets.
If you have a child who loves fashion or movies, choose to watch one of the old movies that Edith created costumes for like “White Christmas” and read this book. Her inspiring story may just lead your child to be the next Academy Award winner for Best Costume Design.
September 11, 2022
I’ve read several biographies that were meant for children, but Dressing Up The Stars is among the best. The combination of informative text and interesting illustrations quickly won me over.
The story included enough information about Edith Head without feeling like I’d have to work to hold a child’s interest. And the bright illustrations had my attention from the decorative endsheet at the beginning to the end.
While the story doesn’t have to have underlying lessons, it does open the opportunity to discuss working hard for a goal. Though in my opinion, all people have the ability to work hard for something. I really have trouble when I see and hear kids being taught that “You can be whatever you want to be.” In my thinking that doesn’t give a child permission not to attain a goal if he/she worked hard. Anyway, enough of my feelings. This book beautifully opens discussions in several areas, which I really appreciate.
My Concerns
None
Final Thoughts
Educators, librarians, caregivers . . . Yoo-hoo! If you read to children or if they’re old enough to read to themselves, this is a non-fiction book that is short, educational, and interesting.
The back of the book has an interesting Author’s Note included, as well as selected sources.
My thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for a copy to review. I was free to post my thoughts.
The story included enough information about Edith Head without feeling like I’d have to work to hold a child’s interest. And the bright illustrations had my attention from the decorative endsheet at the beginning to the end.
While the story doesn’t have to have underlying lessons, it does open the opportunity to discuss working hard for a goal. Though in my opinion, all people have the ability to work hard for something. I really have trouble when I see and hear kids being taught that “You can be whatever you want to be.” In my thinking that doesn’t give a child permission not to attain a goal if he/she worked hard. Anyway, enough of my feelings. This book beautifully opens discussions in several areas, which I really appreciate.
My Concerns
None
Final Thoughts
Educators, librarians, caregivers . . . Yoo-hoo! If you read to children or if they’re old enough to read to themselves, this is a non-fiction book that is short, educational, and interesting.
The back of the book has an interesting Author’s Note included, as well as selected sources.
My thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for a copy to review. I was free to post my thoughts.
October 21, 2022
I was elated to win Dressing Up the Stars, written by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Diana Toledano in an online raffle. This new picture book tells how Edith Head, winner of 8 Oscars for Best Costume, got started.
We find out that Edith's life began far from Hollywood's glamour. She grew up in mining camps in the deserts of Nevada and Mexico. As an isolated only child, her imagination led her to dress up her pets for pretend tea parties--her first designs!
Edith never sought the stage spotlight herself, but her designs added to actors' star power in many movies, developing their characters. She finally did end up in the spotlight when she accepted her Academy Awards.
Dressing Up the Stars will inspire young readers to pursue their dreams, employ their imaginations, persist, and practice, practice, practice--Edith's keys to success. The Author's Note gives a summary of Edith's life, and Selected Sources leads readers to more information about this Hollywood icon.
The illustrations are perfect from the cover to the end papers to the spreads in-between. Toledano's mixed media drawings show the pattern, texture, and color that make up the design world, while giving them a child-like simplicity.
My granddaughters and I enjoyed learning how Edith Head came to costume fame.
We find out that Edith's life began far from Hollywood's glamour. She grew up in mining camps in the deserts of Nevada and Mexico. As an isolated only child, her imagination led her to dress up her pets for pretend tea parties--her first designs!
Edith never sought the stage spotlight herself, but her designs added to actors' star power in many movies, developing their characters. She finally did end up in the spotlight when she accepted her Academy Awards.
Dressing Up the Stars will inspire young readers to pursue their dreams, employ their imaginations, persist, and practice, practice, practice--Edith's keys to success. The Author's Note gives a summary of Edith's life, and Selected Sources leads readers to more information about this Hollywood icon.
The illustrations are perfect from the cover to the end papers to the spreads in-between. Toledano's mixed media drawings show the pattern, texture, and color that make up the design world, while giving them a child-like simplicity.
My granddaughters and I enjoyed learning how Edith Head came to costume fame.
September 4, 2022
I love this playful picture book biography about Edith Head -- it's a nice celebration of following one's dreams and finding your niche. Edith Head likely will not be an already-familiar name to young children, but this narrative beautifully engages the reader in a story that transcends the subject.
I appreciate that biographies in picture books often start with childhood where we can see hints of a person's future in their childhood interests in pursuits. Edith loved design and creativity, and many young children will relate. Children will also glean from this story that we all have different personalities but there are ways to contribute to others even if we are on the shy side. In addition, we will always face challenges in the pursuit of a dream but it is worth it to pursue with hard work. The themes of this story reach well beyond costume design.
I love the illustrations in this book -- the soft tones and style are a nice melding of vintage and modern feel. The illustrations pair wonderfully with the narrative to tell Edith's story and engage readers.
The back of the book contains a lengthy Author's Note will additional inspiring details and real photographs of Edith Head.
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.
I appreciate that biographies in picture books often start with childhood where we can see hints of a person's future in their childhood interests in pursuits. Edith loved design and creativity, and many young children will relate. Children will also glean from this story that we all have different personalities but there are ways to contribute to others even if we are on the shy side. In addition, we will always face challenges in the pursuit of a dream but it is worth it to pursue with hard work. The themes of this story reach well beyond costume design.
I love the illustrations in this book -- the soft tones and style are a nice melding of vintage and modern feel. The illustrations pair wonderfully with the narrative to tell Edith's story and engage readers.
The back of the book contains a lengthy Author's Note will additional inspiring details and real photographs of Edith Head.
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.
September 8, 2022
Edith Head grew up in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada. She had a few friends but, she spent most of her time dressing up her toys, pets, and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She wanted to spend her life surrounded by people and excitement. She had her sights set on Hollywood and managed to talk her way into getting a job sketching costumes for a movie studio. Edith didn't know how to sew or draw but, she didn't let that stop her. Edith worked hard and taught herself until it paid off and she worked with some of the biggest stars of the day.
I thought the picture book was an okay read. I wasn't familiar with Edith Head so, it was an interesting to learn more. The author and illustrator did a good job with the pictures and story. However, I felt that the book was lacking the reason why the author was so interested in Edith Heed. The author did include a line or two but, I didn't see why Edith Head warranted a book over say any other costumer designer. (I am also not saying that Edith doesn't deserve one either!) I wish that there was appendix listing some of Edith's most noteworthy books. I think young readers who enjoy fashion would like this book.
I thought the picture book was an okay read. I wasn't familiar with Edith Head so, it was an interesting to learn more. The author and illustrator did a good job with the pictures and story. However, I felt that the book was lacking the reason why the author was so interested in Edith Heed. The author did include a line or two but, I didn't see why Edith Head warranted a book over say any other costumer designer. (I am also not saying that Edith doesn't deserve one either!) I wish that there was appendix listing some of Edith's most noteworthy books. I think young readers who enjoy fashion would like this book.
September 17, 2022
This picture book tells the tale of a girl who grew up with little and used her imagination to occupy her days. Edith Head lived in a remote town with few friends, so she spent her time making outfits for her dolls and animal friends. Illustrated with soft muted colors, and eye-catching details, the book recounts Edith’s roundabout journey to costume design and the many setbacks that she experienced along the way. It’s nice to see a book that focuses on the ways that interest is even more important than “natural talent.” Edith wasn’t an incredible costume designer right from the start, not even really a good one. But she loved it and she didn’t give up. She kept working on her skills until she became one of the most respected designers in the business! Kids reading this will learn that you can get better at something, even if you fail at first, an important lesson. And they will be inspired by Edith’s unique story!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
October 29, 2022
There are still two huge trunks filled with fabric. This fabric is richly spun and colored in an array of breathtaking motifs. Some have been used to fashion gifts for newborns or lifelong friends. Others await to be paired with collected patterns for clothing, interior home decor, or quilts. A few, a very few, are there simply because of their beauty.
Two recent publications feature extraordinary women; women who were drawn to fabric and what can be made from fabric. Both harnessed their passion, their talent, for design to rise to the top of their respective artistic realms. Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey with illustrations by Diana Toledano, Dressing Up The Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head (Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, September 20, 2022) is the story of a young girl, a behind-the-scenes person, who grew to transform settings and characters through her personal perspectives.
My full recommendation https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Two recent publications feature extraordinary women; women who were drawn to fabric and what can be made from fabric. Both harnessed their passion, their talent, for design to rise to the top of their respective artistic realms. Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey with illustrations by Diana Toledano, Dressing Up The Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head (Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, September 20, 2022) is the story of a young girl, a behind-the-scenes person, who grew to transform settings and characters through her personal perspectives.
My full recommendation https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
September 3, 2023
Edith Head, fashion/costume designer extraordinaire, grew up in mining towns with few opportunities but went on to earn more Oscars than any other woman in any category. Young readers are sure to pick up on the theme that hard work and determination will lead to success despite unremarkable beginnings and failures along the way. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey keeps text on point and crafts each brief paragraph carefully so that every word matters. As with most picture books, the illustrations are key and artist Diana Toledano does not disappoint with her hand rendered creations using a wide variety of media, including gouache, collage, colored pencils, crayons, pastels, and more. Great choice for the biography section of home, school, and public libraries serving grades K-4.
Thanks for hosting a Twitter giveaway, Jeanne Walter Harvey.
Thanks for hosting a Twitter giveaway, Jeanne Walter Harvey.
September 16, 2022
Dressing Up the Stars is the absolutely fascinating story of costume designer, Edith Head! Beginning in the desert, where Edith’s greatest treasure is “her bag of fabric scraps,” Jeanne Harvey Walker shows how Edith goes from a girl full of dreams to one of Hollywood’s greatest costume designers. Harvey does a beautiful job of showing that success doesn’t come overnight, it takes hard work. Edith had to learn to draw, then she designed for animals, then she almost got fired, and then—at last!—after many years of hard work, she became just as famous as the Hollywood stars themselves. Beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, Dressing UP the Stars will inspire all young readers who have a dream of their own.
December 27, 2022
What an inspiring example of a kid who used her imagination to transform her world! Head became the most famous costume designer in Hollywood through her determination, persistent development of her talent, and genius for design: “What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage,” she said. “We create the illusion of changing the actors into what they are not.” The Author’s Note describes how Head became “the queen of her profession,” to quote Bette Davis, who knew a thing or two about queenly types. Endnotes include a helpful bibliography for further study of Head’s unique life and work.
September 10, 2022
I always enjoy learning about historical figures. Edith Head’s story is inspiring, and Dressing Up the Stars is a playful picture book that young readers are sure to enjoy. Edith’s story shows children that their background doesn’t matter. That a person can do anything they set their mind to. Edith didn’t have it easy, and some people told her she couldn’t be a designer. But she didn’t let that deter her. She continued to work hard, find her nitch, and through hard work became successful.
This is a book parents will enjoy reading to their kids.
This is a book parents will enjoy reading to their kids.
October 30, 2022
This is a biography picture book that really helps show how determination can help you fulfill quite a glamorous destiny! I really did like the art, and the life story of this costume designer with something I had never really thought about before. It was neat to see how often she was told to give up, but she kept asking for more chances, and continue to explore where her failing points were and learning to be better. This would be absolutely perfect for any shy children, Or children who are creative.
February 8, 2023
I loved, loved, loved the approach of this book. Mad props to Diana Toledano for the amazing illustrations, and to Jeanne Walker Harvey for HOW she told this story. Garment making is a traditionally “feminine” activity, going back tens of thousands of years. Harvey did an excellent job explaining how Head’s life was innovative and groundbreaking instead of one that was simpering and conformed to gender stereotypes.
March 29, 2023
I loved this book! I've had a fascination with Edith Head since I was a teen. I absolutely love her designs in Roman Holiday and To Catch a Thief. This book goes into her childhood and how she always loved dressing up others, to her schooling, and her start in Hollywood. The illustrations are especially delightful! This is a great children's book for sharing what kids can grow up to be!
April 24, 2023
This is a wonderful picture book biography about costume designer, Edith Head. It makes for such a fun and engaging read aloud. Read to find out how a young girl who loved making things from fabric scraps made her way to becoming a famous Hollywood costume designer. Gorgeous illustrations were created using, gouache, collage, colored pencils, crayons, pastels, and more! Contains back matter. A true work of art! Highly recommended.
January 14, 2025
I read this as part of a reading challenge. It's at a young child's reading level -- a short picture book biography -- but interesting nonetheless. I love when people find something they are passionate about and push through the difficulties along the way to keep pursuing it. She had a unique skill set and it was interesting learning a little bit about her story. I especially liked the author's note at the end going into more detail about her life.
October 30, 2025
Who knew that a Hollywood icon like costume designer Edith Head grew up in a small mining town and didn't know how to sew or draw? Let that sink in. I am always in awe of Jeanne Walker Harvey’s fascinating picture book bios and this one is no exception, especially when paired with illustrations by Diana Toledano. Oh my, what wonderful details. This picture book of the stars definitely deserves five stars of its own.
March 12, 2026
Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head by Jeanne Walker Harvey (Author), Diana Toledano (Illustrator) is a kid friendly story of how Edith Head went from dressing animals to designing costumes for Hollywood stars. My favorite illustration is the double-page spread where Edith is looking up the stars. A wonderful story that celebrates creativity and following one’s passion.
November 14, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up.
This picture book biography has strong text and unique illustrations, but it focuses so much on Edith Head's childhood and difficulties breaking into the business that it doesn't share as much information as I would like about her years of success as a Hollywood fashion designer.
This picture book biography has strong text and unique illustrations, but it focuses so much on Edith Head's childhood and difficulties breaking into the business that it doesn't share as much information as I would like about her years of success as a Hollywood fashion designer.
January 9, 2023
5 stars. Awards season begins this week, perfect time to read this biography of Edith Head who won 8 Oscars for costume design. Fascinating details about her life, intricate details in the illustrations, perhaps based on young Edith’s love of fabric scraps. More info and photos in author’s note. My young self would’ve adored this book as I wanted to be a fashion designer at one time.
April 5, 2023
I personally love biographies like this that make me aware of individuals who I previously did not know about. Edith’s story is an inspiring story of pursuing what you love and never settling for less that what you envision. As this biography is a bit longer, I think it would appeal most to upper elementary students.
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