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Green Pants
For kids who march to their own drum or are especially attached to a comfort object here is a completely adorable character who wears his singularity in style.
Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin's wedding, he's going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can barrack for, whatever color pants they wear.
Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin's wedding, he's going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can barrack for, whatever color pants they wear.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2017
About the author
Kenneth Kraegel
8 books16 followersKenneth Kraegel is a self-taught illustrator and writer. He was a CJ Picture Book Award Finalist and is a recipient of a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Tomie dePaola Honor Award. Kenneth Kraegel lives with his wife and son in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and gardening.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 24, 2022
I appreciate that the message is more than just "marching to the beat of your own drum" (though, yay for that) but also that you should consider the feelings of others and sometimes put their needs above your own. I'm glad that Jameson finds a solution that accomplishes both. (Also, it was super fun to read this with my youngest who shouted out the solution to the problem before Jameson did!) I could have done without the illustration of stringing the non-green pants up the flagpole early on but other than that, I enjoyed the humorous, sweet delivery of an important message here.
April 28, 2023
Noted: According to the preview supplied here at Goodreads, this book is a "pitch-perfect ode to individualism."
Yet the main character, James, has a dilemma. This involves whether he will wear a tuxedo -- as required -- at his cousin's wedding.
ONE STAR this time.
Because star begins with the same letter as spoiled.
There's something for everybody. But this one is not for me.
Yet the main character, James, has a dilemma. This involves whether he will wear a tuxedo -- as required -- at his cousin's wedding.
ONE STAR this time.
Because star begins with the same letter as spoiled.
There's something for everybody. But this one is not for me.
July 19, 2017
Other reviewers have celebrated the theme of being yourself in this book, but I think the real lesson learned is that sometimes it's more important to think of the feelings and wishes of others, especially when it's family. Jameson figures out a way to do both!
January 11, 2018
I wasn't wholly sure about this one but the last two pages got me.
My only complaint is that it went from very, very short sentences per page to entire paragraphs per page. That tends to slow down the pacing.
But those last two pages...man...good stuff.
My only complaint is that it went from very, very short sentences per page to entire paragraphs per page. That tends to slow down the pacing.
But those last two pages...man...good stuff.
December 19, 2017
I didn't want to like it, and then I opened it and I did.
Jameson is a cute kid, who knows what he likes: green pants. He wear no other pants; I hope he has several pair in the same colors! Then his cousin's fiancée asks him to be in their wedding, and his mother informs him that tuxedo's have black pants.
None of this matters (see how I worked hard not to spoil it for you?).
What I loved about this book, besides a child after my own heart, was that most of the characters are brown and Black people. The white people are not even really characters, just thrown in the make it look diverse. Not sure the author did this on purpose, but it feels nice to be centered instead of left or behind, or after-thoughted in a picture book about a regular kid doing regular kid stuff.
Fun to read. I can't wait to share it with little people. I think they'll love it.
Jameson is a cute kid, who knows what he likes: green pants. He wear no other pants; I hope he has several pair in the same colors! Then his cousin's fiancée asks him to be in their wedding, and his mother informs him that tuxedo's have black pants.
None of this matters (see how I worked hard not to spoil it for you?).
What I loved about this book, besides a child after my own heart, was that most of the characters are brown and Black people. The white people are not even really characters, just thrown in the make it look diverse. Not sure the author did this on purpose, but it feels nice to be centered instead of left or behind, or after-thoughted in a picture book about a regular kid doing regular kid stuff.
Fun to read. I can't wait to share it with little people. I think they'll love it.
April 2, 2017
A beautiful kids book with delightful illustrations that many parents with young people will be able to relate to. Jameson is a spunky young boy with a mind of his own and a unique style of his own --- he insists on wearing "green pants" day after day. His parents love his independence and go with flow until he is asked to be in his cousin's wedding party where ---gasp--he must wear black pants! Terrific fun to read over and over and, a great resolution as well. (5/5 stars)
August 5, 2022
Well that's pretty darn good problem-solving! I love that it's a win-win, and that the boy came up with it himself. I also love the art that looks childish but isn't. And the design & structure: another reviewer says that the pacing is off because it went from short sentences to paragraphs on each spread... but actually the pacing perfectly fits the import of each scene and event.
My inner child liked this, and also I wish my kids were still young so I could share this with them. Jameson would be a good role model for them.
My inner child liked this, and also I wish my kids were still young so I could share this with them. Jameson would be a good role model for them.
December 16, 2017
Jameson wears his favorite green pants everyday. His cousin and fiance ask Jameson to be in their wedding, where he needs to wear black pants! He struggles but decides to wear the tuxedo and rock out the black pants for the dance floor!
A very fun kid/ wedding book. Cool to share with flower girls/ ringbearers.
A very fun kid/ wedding book. Cool to share with flower girls/ ringbearers.
May 8, 2018
Picky dressers will likely relate to Jameson, the main character in Green Pants, and his green pant obsession. But what will he do when he's invited to a wedding where he must wear a black tux?
Kids enjoyed this story.
Perfect read for "wedding" themed story-times and "getting dressed" themed story times.
Kids enjoyed this story.
Perfect read for "wedding" themed story-times and "getting dressed" themed story times.
March 27, 2017
Dang, I need some green pants!
March 23, 2017
Can you be true to yourself AND do the right thing?
March 11, 2017
An endearingly quirky kid with a singular sense of style.
January 28, 2017
Riley's review:
I REALLY REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK! I like it too much. I thought it was so funny. I had to read it again and again because I liked it so much.
Read more:
http://www.platypire.com/pugglepires/...
I REALLY REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK! I like it too much. I thought it was so funny. I had to read it again and again because I liked it so much.
Read more:
http://www.platypire.com/pugglepires/...
December 24, 2019
Great picture book about being yourself.
June 16, 2024
Jameson would ONLY wear green pants. This article of clothing made him feel great—like he could do anything!—and he resisted all attempts to get him to wear a wider array of colors. Then his cousin Armando announced that he and his fiancée Jo were getting married, and Jo asked Jameson to be in the wedding. Elated at first, Jameson was dismayed to learn that he would need to wear a tuxedo—in BLACK! Was there a way to honor his commitment, while also staying true to himself...?
Pairing an engaging and amusing tale of a young boy with decided sartorial habits, who must learn to adjust when confronted with his obligations to others, with humorous artwork that captures the humor of the story, Green Pants is a winsome little picture book. I really appreciate the fact that the story here shows Jameson finding a solution that honors Armando and Jo, while also permitting him some of what he himself wants. I had this sinking feeling, while reading this, that the narrative would allow Jameson to get what he wants, without having to compromise in any way (I've run across quite a few recent children's stories with this flaw), but no: instead he does what it expected of him, during the ceremony and dinner, and then pivots to what he wants during the more relaxed dance portion of the wedding. Although communicated without any fanfare, I think this sends an important message to children: sometimes you can't do what you want, and must consider the needs and feelings of others, and your responsibility to consider what is appropriate in specific social settings. Recommended to young children who always want to do one specific thing—wear a specific item of clothing, eat a specific food, and so on—as well as to those seeking humorous children's stories about give and take and compromise.
Pairing an engaging and amusing tale of a young boy with decided sartorial habits, who must learn to adjust when confronted with his obligations to others, with humorous artwork that captures the humor of the story, Green Pants is a winsome little picture book. I really appreciate the fact that the story here shows Jameson finding a solution that honors Armando and Jo, while also permitting him some of what he himself wants. I had this sinking feeling, while reading this, that the narrative would allow Jameson to get what he wants, without having to compromise in any way (I've run across quite a few recent children's stories with this flaw), but no: instead he does what it expected of him, during the ceremony and dinner, and then pivots to what he wants during the more relaxed dance portion of the wedding. Although communicated without any fanfare, I think this sends an important message to children: sometimes you can't do what you want, and must consider the needs and feelings of others, and your responsibility to consider what is appropriate in specific social settings. Recommended to young children who always want to do one specific thing—wear a specific item of clothing, eat a specific food, and so on—as well as to those seeking humorous children's stories about give and take and compromise.
October 20, 2018
I loved the book Green Pants! The story is very well written and thought out. The main character, Jameson, only liked to wear green pants. He could do anything in his green pants, such as dunk a basketball, dive into a pool, and dance. Many people tried to get Jameson to wear different color pants, however, he refused and stuck with his green pants. When Jameson's cousin Armando and his fiancee Jo came to visit, they asked Jameson to be in their wedding. He agreed with excitement, however, his mother broke the news to him that he would have to wear a black tuxedo. He was very unhappy. When he was trying on different black tuxedos, he hated each one, rather, he thought he looked much better with a black tuxedo jacket and green pants! The day of the wedding, Jameson had to make a choice, wear the black tuxedo pants or his green pants. His mother left him outside to decide. Jo opened the door to tell Jameson how excited she was that he was here. In that moment, Jameson knew what he needed to do. Jameson put on the black tuxedo and joined the rest of the wedding group. The whole night, Jameson was very well mannered in his black tuxedo. However, when the music began to start, Jameson took off his black tuxedo pants and changed into his green pants. He danced like nobody had ever danced before! This book is a great choice to read to an elementary school classroom. I actually was really excited to see how this book would end and I am so glad it ended the way that it did, with Jameson finding a way to wear his green pants. Overall, I highly recommend giving this book a try!
October 20, 2017
Kraegel, Kenneth Green Pants. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press 2017. $15.99. Content: G.
Jameson can do anything as long as he's wearing green pants. He can dunk a ball, high-dive into a pool, and dance the night away. But after he agrees to be in his cousin's wedding, he learns the awful truth: he will have to wear a tuxedo to the ceremony. A tuxedo with black pants! Oh, the horror! How can Jameson be true to himself -- and his beloved green pants -- while still honoring his cousin's wedding request?
This is an adorable book about honoring your own sense of fashion while still compromising for the benefit of loved-ones. Children who have ever latched onto a particular outfit will likely identify with Jameson's reluctance to wear the tuxedo. His solution is delightful and will spark lots of smiles. I do wish he had another motivation to compromise other than his obvious and rather over-the-top crush on his cousin's fiancée, though.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Jameson can do anything as long as he's wearing green pants. He can dunk a ball, high-dive into a pool, and dance the night away. But after he agrees to be in his cousin's wedding, he learns the awful truth: he will have to wear a tuxedo to the ceremony. A tuxedo with black pants! Oh, the horror! How can Jameson be true to himself -- and his beloved green pants -- while still honoring his cousin's wedding request?
This is an adorable book about honoring your own sense of fashion while still compromising for the benefit of loved-ones. Children who have ever latched onto a particular outfit will likely identify with Jameson's reluctance to wear the tuxedo. His solution is delightful and will spark lots of smiles. I do wish he had another motivation to compromise other than his obvious and rather over-the-top crush on his cousin's fiancée, though.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
March 29, 2018
For kids who march to their own drum or are especially attached to a comfort object here is a completely adorable character who wears his singularity in style.
Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin's wedding, he's going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can barrack for, whatever color pants they wear.
Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin's wedding, he's going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can barrack for, whatever color pants they wear.
Read
October 13, 2021I found this book while I was searching through the Children's Choices Reading List winners of 2018 and this book was really nice. It follows the story of a young boy named Jameson and his amazing green pants as Jameson needs to think about others wishes. This story has a very child simulated art style which adds to the visual interest for me. The book also seems to touch on what poetry looks and sounds like at one point during it which leads me to believe this book could be used for a lesson over what poetry is. The characters are also quite compelling as they all seem quite likeable. A teacher would definitely benefit from this books poetic elements as they can help model what poetry is or help start a lesson over poetry.
August 9, 2017
Featuring an absolutely adorable protagonist of color and a loveable family, the real star of this picture book is (obviously) Jameson’s green pants. As a comfort object, his pants provide him with the confidence he needs to dunk a basketball, dive and dance his way through life. Unfortunately, if he wants to be in his cousin’s wedding he will have to forgo the green for tuxedo black. The resolution of this problem wraps up Jameson’s dilemma nicely while staying true to the heart of the character. The delightful illustrations are an added bonus to this recommended addition to library collections.
December 12, 2017
diverse picture book (getting dressed; comfort objects (pants/blankets); weddings / preschool ages 4 and up).
* Features diverse characters: Jameson and his family happen to be African-American; most of the wedding party and guests are also black but there is a mix of lighter-skinned and dark-skinned/straight-haired people present as well.
* would work well for a preschool storytime; there are some pages with a significant amount of text, so I would rate this for the older preschool-to-Kinder range (4-6+ years). The story is sweet and pretty action-oriented for a book about weddings, and the illustrations are charming and large enough to share with an audience.
* Features diverse characters: Jameson and his family happen to be African-American; most of the wedding party and guests are also black but there is a mix of lighter-skinned and dark-skinned/straight-haired people present as well.
* would work well for a preschool storytime; there are some pages with a significant amount of text, so I would rate this for the older preschool-to-Kinder range (4-6+ years). The story is sweet and pretty action-oriented for a book about weddings, and the illustrations are charming and large enough to share with an audience.
March 28, 2018
Jameson loves his green pants. In fact, the only color pants you will find in his wardrobe are green. With his green pants on, Jameson can do anything. And, he simply refuses to wear any pants that aren't green.
But, one day, he is asked to be in a wedding. He says "Yes" before he is told that he will have to wear a tuxedo - - with BLACK pants. Jameson really, really, really wants to be in the wedding, but he really, really, really doesn't want to wear black pants. But, if he wants to be in the wedding, he HAS to wear black pants.
It's his choice, and it's a tough one to make. What will Jameson decide?
But, one day, he is asked to be in a wedding. He says "Yes" before he is told that he will have to wear a tuxedo - - with BLACK pants. Jameson really, really, really wants to be in the wedding, but he really, really, really doesn't want to wear black pants. But, if he wants to be in the wedding, he HAS to wear black pants.
It's his choice, and it's a tough one to make. What will Jameson decide?
July 7, 2020
I learned of this author somewhere, maybe even here on Goodreads, and decided I wanted to check out his books. I also found it interesting that he lives in Grand Rapids, MI but that has nothing to do with my enjoyment of this particular title. He writes and illustrates picture books for young kids (and I always respect, admire, and envy anyone who has that complete creative control). Anyway, this is very good. It tells of young Jameson’s struggle to wear anything other than his ever-present green pants. liked a little less his award-winning King Arthur’s Very Great Grandson but it was also very good. The Song of Delphine was a distant third.
July 22, 2022
Jameson is a character I would like to see again. He's a pretty cool kid. I'm not sure what I think about the message, which appears to be "It's OK to compromise on your own personal style/identity if the cause is important enough, but celebrate yourself whenever you can" ... Why was it so important that Jameson not wear green pants to the wedding? I know, I know, it's not about him, the focus should be on the couple getting married, OK. The passages where Jameson interacts with Jo are strikingly poetic and remind me of what it feels like to be a young child crushing on someone. Overall, a sweet story well done.
April 30, 2023
I think the story is saying that there is a way to compromise and both please others and please yourself and that is sort-of achieved here.
At least no one comes to haul Jameson off the dance floor when he breaks out in his green pants and dances "like no one has ever danced before".
But having known a person who really really had trouble wearing a tuxedo or a suit to HIS OWN wedding...I would like to say to the character "Get over yourself. It's not all about you."
Do it for your (soon to be) spouse, do it for the bride and groom, do it for the occasion, do it for the memories and photo books, do it because...there may only be this just once.
At least no one comes to haul Jameson off the dance floor when he breaks out in his green pants and dances "like no one has ever danced before".
But having known a person who really really had trouble wearing a tuxedo or a suit to HIS OWN wedding...I would like to say to the character "Get over yourself. It's not all about you."
Do it for your (soon to be) spouse, do it for the bride and groom, do it for the occasion, do it for the memories and photo books, do it because...there may only be this just once.
October 16, 2017
Jameson love to wear green pants, but he is in dilemma of choosing to wear a black or green pant to go with his tuxedo for his cousin's wedding. Jameson's indecision does not bother him for a long time. He finally decides to wear the black pant to the wedding and surprises everyone with his green pant when it is time for dancing. This book might be used to teach children that sometimes compromise is necessary but does not mean to lose yourself. I particularly love how the author's illustration of Jameson's dancing pose!
June 28, 2017
A cute, fun story about a young boy named Jameson who will only wear green pants. Give him red pants, and they might end up on the family dog. Jeans end up the flagpole. But when Jameson's cousin asks him to be in his wedding, he realizes he has to wear -- gasp -- black pants. CAN HE DO IT?!
The book is a little text heavy at times, leading to a bit of an imbalance. But the end features a fun dance at a wedding.
The book is a little text heavy at times, leading to a bit of an imbalance. But the end features a fun dance at a wedding.
July 4, 2017
Creative problem-solving!
Illustrations, done in watercolor and pencil, keep the focus on the action with a mostly white background. Succinct text, done in green font, is clear and keeps the story moving.
Although the text flows, I am concerned that one illustration shows Jameson 'diving' in his green pants - readers need to know that swimming in long pants is difficult and not generally recommended!
Illustrations, done in watercolor and pencil, keep the focus on the action with a mostly white background. Succinct text, done in green font, is clear and keeps the story moving.
Although the text flows, I am concerned that one illustration shows Jameson 'diving' in his green pants - readers need to know that swimming in long pants is difficult and not generally recommended!
October 20, 2017
Jameson has a favorite pair of pants. Green pants. They help him dunk, and dive, and dance. He loves his green pants. When given pants of any other color, Jameson cleverly disposes of the offending pants.
Then, a crisis. He must choose...his green pants and individuality, or tuxedo pants to participate in a wedding?
A good lesson on being yourself, and thinking about the feelings of others.
Then, a crisis. He must choose...his green pants and individuality, or tuxedo pants to participate in a wedding?
A good lesson on being yourself, and thinking about the feelings of others.
July 24, 2019
Jameson is a picky dresser. He'll only wear green pants and rejects any other color. He's asked to be in his cousin's wedding and struggles with the decision as he will have to wear a tuxedo with black pants. Readers aren't sure what he will do until the last few pages. He wears the pants and does everything he needs to at the wedding. Then, readers discover how he remained true to himself on the last two pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews