For the Petite Fashionista

Along Came Coco
Written & Illustrated by Eva Byrne
Age Level: 4-8 Years
Published March 19, 2019

Très Chic

“I decided who I wanted to be, and that is who I am.” -Coco Chanel

This gorgeously illustrated biography of Coco Chanel exudes all of the fashion maven’s confidence, assertiveness, and boldness. In a time when women were restricted by corsets and convention, Chanel was undaunted and blazed her own trail to become a fashion and cultural icon. Women may not have had much freedom, but Chanel still liberated and emboldened them through her innovative designs including loose fitting trousers, handbags with straps, and cardigans with pockets.

“Has there ever been a little French girl with such a big imagination who has made breaking the rules look so good?”

I learned a few things that I didn't know from this book, such as that Chanel acquired her sewing skills as a child while living in a French convent, and that her signature bob was born out of necessity when a gas lamp exploded in her dressing room and singed her long locks. From cover to cover, her story is full of fun and inspiring anecdotes that demonstrate her ingenuity, drive, and spunk.

The illustrations that grace the pages of this book are just as show stopping and stylish as Coco Chanel herself. It came as no surprise when I learned that author-illustrator Eva Byrne studied fashion illustration prior to her career in children’s literature. Her charming and elegant artwork is the perfect elevated accompaniment to Chanel’s life story.