Dress-up play and finding ways to express ourselves through what we wear are a wonderful avenue for exploring identity. Below are five picture books that celebrate the glee and contemplation of wearing clothes that feel delightfully YOU!

The Spectacular Suit by Kat Patrick & Hayley Wells

A buoyant and heartwarming celebration of individuality, identity, and dressing to suit yourself!

It’s almost Frankie’s birthday and everything is ready - except for something to wear. All of her party dresses feel wrong. Her family tries to help, but it’s no good. What Frankie longs for is a suit. A spectacular suit … Can Frankie find the outfit of her dreams?

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

A glimpse of three women dressed as mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume.

But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?

Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown

Fred loves to be naked! He romps around his house naked and wild and free. Until he romps into his parents’ bedroom and is inspired, finally, to get dressed. But there’s so much in the wardrobe! What will Fred choose?

Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Put on your passion. Flaunt your heart on your sleeve. You’re a fashionista. Work it. Wear it. Believe.

A gorgeous gift book for anyone who wants to embrace their individuality from an award winning author. As Maxine states herself: ‘Clothes can speak for us, when we cannot … fashion can be defiant, revolutionary, wild, compliant, challenging, or camouflaging.’

Me and My Boots by Penny Harrison & Evie Barrow

In Me and My Boots, Bronte rejects the label bossy boots, and in introducing us to her family and friends, offers up alternative ways to describe assertive girls like herself.

Mum calls them my brave-girl boots. My bold-as-brass, adventure boots. I’m off to snare the dragon boots. I’ll drag him home for tea. My teacher calls them bustling boots. My buckle-down-to-business boots. I’m the best at jobs boots. I’m busy as a bee.