Patrick has a lot of reasons for loving his purple polka-dotted tights. They aren't bulky under his snowpants. They keep his toes warm at night. They can double as a dog leash, or a headband. They look great with a big hat and a skirt. But the tights belong to his sister, and when she takes them back, she accidentally ruins them. Minnesota writer McCurry keeps this story simple and fun, without preaching or labeling. Haley's primary color digital illustrations are expressive and lively. (Laurie Hertzel)

Patrick loves his purple polka-dot tights. They provide extra warmth under snow pants, add flair to dress-up outfits, and make great teddy-bear lifesaving equipment. The only problem: technically, the tights belong to his sister, even though “Penelope didn’t care about the tights…most of the time.” The cartoonlike illustrations, featuring an energetic boy with curly orange hair, amplify emotions in the child-centered text. “It wasn’t fair,” the narrator comments when Penelope takes back the tights to wear during her piano recital. The accompanying illustration shows a visibly displeased Patrick sitting amidst smiling, oblivious audience members, including his parents. “Disaster” strikes during a post-recital ice-cream outing (Penelope spills hot fudge on the tights), and Patrick’s body language clearly conveys his dejected feelings. When his dad presents him with new tights—a three pack!—a double-page spread celebrates along with Patrick. Featuring realistic sibling dynamics and parents who model nonchalant support without editorializing, this book affirms kids’ creative expression and imaginative play. (Kitty Flynn)

Patrick, who is white, loves his polka dot tights. With his imagination the possibilities for their use go from the mundane (keeping his toes warm) to the highly creative (his strut down the catwalk/dining room table). Unfortunately, Patrick’s tights are actually his sister Penelope’s and when they go to the piano recital followed by a disastrous trip to the ice cream parlor, Patrick ends up in a desolate state. All works out well for the young boy who finds a plethora of new opportunities for imaginative play. There is prancing, dancing, strutting, and confidence in every colorful page that accompanies the engaging text. VERDICT A solidly positive purchase. While not focusing on gender or identity issues specifically, this affirming story embraces many forms of self-expression and play. (John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore)