The Girl Who Wore Too Much: A Folktale from Thailand

By Margaret Read MacDonald

Book Overview

A girl cannot decide which of her many silken dresses and lavish jewels to wear to the dance, so she wears them all.

Like most young girls, Aree likes fine clothing and jewelry. But she is just a wee bit spoiled and has more fine dresses and accessories than she needs. So when word comes of a dance to be held in the next village, Aree can't make up her mind. Racked by indecision, Aree decides to wear her full wardrobe, until she learns that excess can be a burden, and that impressing friends is not the same as keeping them.

Margaret Read MacDonald employs her trademark energy, vitality, and wit. To complement the text given in both English and Thai, Yvonne Davis's brilliant illustrations--done in gouache, watercolor, and colored pencil-- capture the palette of fabrics and silks for which the Pu-Thai people in northeastern Thailand are so famous today. This legend from Thailand will teach readers the importance of caring, respect and responsibility.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1939160936
• ISBN13: 9781939160935
• Release Date: June 2015
• Publisher: August House Publishers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.3" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

EVERY FAMILY SHOULD READ THIS BOOK TOGETHER!

I bought this book after borrowing a copy from the library. IT WAS SO GREAT! I loved that I had a chance to talk with all of my children as we read this book about vanity and wanting more than we need. We need to be careful what we choose to teach out children in our affluent society. Many times we teach our children bad behaviors without realizing what we've done. Our whole family just loves this book!!!

A Colourful Read Indeed

Interesting story coupled with colourful illustrations. Guaranteed to keep both boys and girls glued to the book till the very end. I read this book to my brothers aged 5 and 8 and both boys were stunned each time Aree puts on another layer of dress. The short sentences found on each page not only invite both boys to read the book on their own, they have also enriched their vocabulary - they are aware of more colours now and the different jewellery featured.

Girls aged 5-8 will love this book!

My daughter (aged 7) identified with the Thai girl in this story, found herself caught up in the girl's desire to dress beautifully for her friends. Then, when the ending twist came, she wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry--but she loved it! I recommend it for parents and grandparents to share with early elementary aged girls (especially). the illustrations are also very colorful and appear to be culturally accurate.