Claris: Palace Party: Claris #5

The Claris Collection #5

by Megan Hess

In the fifth installment of the beloved Claris children's book series, join Claris and her friends for a party at the prettiest palace of all – the Château de Versailles!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fashion

48 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2021

About the author

Megan Hess was destined to draw.

An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.

She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.

Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.

Reviews

[Melinda Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't see how this would appeal to most children. Part of it seems to be grooming children to recognize the names of luxury brands. Since most children wouldn't already know any fashion companies, the name drops create a loss of interest.
My other (major) problem with this is the skunk. It is not a skunk. That is a clear illustration of a racoon face. Did the author not bother to google this? Did the editor not double check this?

Am I wrong?

If I am, please send me an article, etc. proving me wrong. I will gladly amend this review.
Until then...WHO DOESN'T BOTHER TO CHECK?!

[Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindness is chic!

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love Hess’ art style and always pick up her books when they turn up in returns. This particular story wasn’t her best. It’s strangely fixated on designer brands which felt out of place in a kid’s picture book. It also featured a so-called ‘skunk’ that looked like a raccoon, not sure what happened there.

I recommend reading Abigail Fig: The Secret Agent Pig instead.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Claris is cute and so are her friends
but this fifth book reeks from end to end

namedropping brands like Dior and Chanel
feigning it’s a tale for Claris to tell

who could mistake a raccoon for a skunk—
was it only the editor who stunk?

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always delightful, I just love Megan Hess' style.

And I got to remember my many trips to Versailles. In none of which was I half way as stylish as this mouse.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiero ser Claris 😍
Esta vez se va al palacio de Versalles con sus amiguis y sus vestidazos y conocen a una mofeta muy cool.

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claris travels to a costume ball at the Palace of Versailles. Lovely illustrations, but also showing kids how to conquer fears and make friends wherever you go.

[Mari]

rhymes like Josh Funk's pancake series

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too American for my tastes. I can only assume that the author's knowledge of European animals was taken from Looney Tunes as it heavily features an otherwise inexplicable skunk.

I felt like it didn't scan very well, and a lot of the rhymes weren't actually rhymes in my accent.