The Dress in the Window
by Robert Tregoning and Pippa Curnick
A joyous tale of boy meets DRESS, illustrated by Pippa Curnick.
Derby Children’s Picture Book Award 2024, Highly Commended
“A phenomenal book with a powerful message.”
“A warm, loving picture book, filled with sparkle, dash and unconditional acceptance.” - The Guardian
“Imbued with a beautiful message about being true to yourself.” - Waterstones
“A treat to read aloud.” - Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub
“A sparkling, funny and heart-warming story bursting with humour, joy and anticipation, brought to life with Pippa Curnick’s gorgeous illustrations. It’s hard to write great rhyming stories but Robert Tregoning does it so well, and this one’s got such an encouraging tone and message about celebrating your interests and following your heart.” - Harry Woodgate (Award-winning author/illustrator of Grandad’s Camper)
“A spectacular and heartwarming book that showcases the joy that comes with accepting our kids exactly as they are.” - Scott Stuart (Author of My Shadow is Pink)
“A joyful story full of love, perseverance and sparkles!” - Rachael Davis (Author of I Am NOT a Prince)
“What a gorgeous, sparkly, inspiring book! The rhyme was spot on, such a joy to read out loud.” - Sital Gorasia Chapman (Author of The Bedtime Boat)
“An enchanting dream-come-true story of family and belonging. It completely dazzled me like the red sequins on the dress in the shop window and stole my heart… Not a stitch out of place.” - Eibhlís Carcione (Poet and author of Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay)
“This is a sparkling, dazzling, joyous beauty of a book. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” - Kate Thompson (Author of Superheroes Always Fight Back… Or Do They?)
“A must read book for all children…” - Holly Ryan (Author of Never Mess with a Pirate Princess)
"It's exceptionally refreshing to see someone write a story like this without featuring any kind of meanness or cruelty towards a boy who wants to wear a shimmering dress. Instead, the boy is loved and supported by his mother, neighbours, and friends, who all share in his smiles and watch his twirls with amazement." - Children’s Books Ireland
One day a boy is walking past a second-hand shop when he sees a dress. It's no ordinary dress - it's glittering, sparking, dazzling, and red. For the boy it's love at first sight. His mum suggests he do some odd jobs to save the necessary money, but what if someone else buys it first? An affirming, uplifting tale about love, acceptance, and being true to yourself.
ONE AFTERNOON, ON THE HIGH STREET IN TOWN,
A BOY, WITH HIS MUM, SAW A SPARKLING GOWN.
THERE, IN THAT MOMENT, THE BOY MADE A WISH:
TO PUT ON THAT DRESS AND TO SWIRL AND TO SWISH.
A boy longs for a dress and imagines the happiness it will bring
Read his story.
Feel the joy.
Share the love.
