[Ad-gifted] We are a reading family and often find that our children end up rereading their favourite books, hence at the start of the year, we always get some new books ordered for them.
I Am Coco by award-winning illustrator Isabel Pin is a fantastic story for fashion loving tweens (or adults) as it shares the life story of famous fashion designer Coco Chanel in such a whimsical way with loads of information and illustrations.
Published by Prestel Publishing, the book depicts the entire arc of Coco’s (Gabrielle) life and career from the time she was a school girl rebel to when she became a haute couture icon. The story starts with how young Gabrielle was orphaned at age 12 and learned to sew in a convent school. She then worked as a seamstress and sang in cabarets, where she was given the nickname Coco. This remarkable story is shared not only in words but in Isabel Pin’s simple yet detailed illustrations. Young readers will learn about Coco’s beginnings as a hat designer, and how her earliest creations presaged the concept of sportswear. They’ll learn about her iconic designs such as the little black dress, the impeccable suit, N°5 perfume and the acclaimed logo. And they will learn how a freethinking young artist who freed women from the corsets and extravagant ornamentations of the early 20th century grew into a ferociously ambitious designer who staged her own comeback at the age of 70.
Whether your child is interested in the history of fashion or looking for encouragement to pursue their own dreams, this book is both fascinating and inspiring.
What we thought of the book
There are not many books on fashion designers aimed at young children hence this is such an inspirational book in the sense to showcase the challenges of Gabrielle’s upbringing and that did not stop her from being a fashion icon which many of the classic products and designs still trending today.
The book is aimed at children aged 8-years-old and above, is a lovely read for any teen or fashion loving adult. The story is brought to life in the beautiful and colourful drawings throughout the book.
Children would also learn how Coco always thought of the box and pioneered the change in how woman dressed. I also love how inspiring the book is for children as it encourages them to to dream and never give up on their ambition.
What did my 12-year-old daughter think of the book?
I thought that the book was really good and I have learned a lot about the life of Coco Chanel that I didn’t know before. The book is very interesting with loads of facts and information about Coco, for example, I’ve learnt that Coco came from a poor family and she was orphaned at the age of 12 and later sent to a convent school.
Although there are lots of facts, there are also illustrations in the book, so you can picture her life and imagine her growing up. I enjoyed reading the book and am sure this book will inspire other children to achieve their dreams.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The hardcopy copy of the book retails for £10.50 on Amazon and you can purchase a copy of it here.
About the Author
ISABEL PIN is an award-winning illustrator who has published more than 40 books, received numerous awards, and was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2011 and 2012. Born in France, she lives in Berlin, Germany.
About the Book
Title: I Am Coco (The Life of Coco Chanel)
Author: Isabel Pin
Publisher: Prestel
ISBN: 978-3791375083
Dimensions: 15.75 x 1.52 x 22.86 cm
Pages: 88
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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
14 comments
This is definitely a book I would have loved reading at that age, as I love history and finding out about famous people and places. I know my daughter would have loved it as well, and can see it being popular as you learn history in a fun way
You have said it all, thank you
It sounds like a great read and really interesting for kids and adults to find out more about Coco Chanel. It is always fun to delve into the life of somebody well known.
I agree and to find out more about their childhood as well
This is so neat, it is always fun learning about new people especially if it is someone that fits into a topic you love. Thanks for sharing this.
You are welcome, so much detail about the history of fashion in the book as well
I love the look of the illustrations in the book. Sounds like a really cool book to learn more about Coco Chanel x
So much information in the book and the illustrations are fab to look at as well
Sounds like a great book! Grabbing one to read with my niece!
How lovely, I bet she will enjoy reading the book
What I love the illustrations! What a fun book and who doesn’t love Coco Chanel?! Such a cute read 🙂
It is nice as an adult to the book to find out more about the iconic woman as my daughter discovering her at a young age
a good children book to add to my little niece bookshelf. thanks for this book review. I will check out to grab one as my little niece birthday gift next month.
You are welcome and thank you for stopping by