Review: Different Like Coco

By: Elizabeth Matthews

Candlewick Press; 2007; 40 pages

Picture Book; Non-Fiction; Biography

Age: Kindergarten - 3rd Grade

ISBN: 978-0-7636-2548-1

An illustrated biography of Coco Chanel which traces her life from her impoverished childhood through to her role as the Queen of Couture in Paris, while emphasizing her unique traits and individuality.

My Thoughts:

Disclaimer: I love picture book biographies. This is a great example of a biography for younger readers who will be interested to find out that the fun and spunky main character is a real person. Well executed, with engaging illustrations, the story admittedly varnishes over a few of the "earthier" details of Chanel's life. It only makes mention of one of her many gentleman friends, and gives a logical and positive reason for why the two of them do not live happily ever after. Chanel's historic and famous snobbery and elitism are explained, again with a positive spin. For children interested in all things fashion, the book does a great job of showing how revolutionary Chanel's designs were.

I appreciated that the text did not talk down to readers. Although the content was adjusted to match the age level of the readers, it was not cutesy or fake. The illustrations were friendly, inviting, and true to life. Chanel actually looks like Chanel, and her clothes are depicted in a historically accurate manner. I appreciated the timeline of Chanel's life which is included at the back of the book, but would have liked to see at least one photograph of Chanel, her designs, or even her boutique. I feel that this would have made it more apparent to young readers that the story is based on the life of a real person.

The Thoughts of Others:

The Publisher's Weekly Review raved about the illustrations and the storyline. They also point out how the book can function as an introduction to the historic time period, saying that it "offers a snapshot of European history through one extraordinary woman's life." Via Chanel, readers will learn about early feminism, fashion, war, and social class systems.

The School Library Journal review recommended the book for older readers than I did (grades 2-6). However, they made connections that I had not to other books. They felt that the book would appeal to the Fancy Nancy readership. Once they mentioned it, I began to see the connections between the young Coco that is depicted and the eponymous Nancy.