Pistes d'exploration

Define the job of a tailor. Examine a shirt or jacket and notice the features: seams, buttons, size, fabric, collar, sleeves, etc. Where was it made? What makes it unique or special?

Discuss the meaning of retirement. Why did Mr. Frank retire? What job does he have now? How do you know this?

Use a graphic organizer (T-chart, timeline, story map) to display the work Mr. Frank did over the years. Integrate pictographs of the items of clothing.

Design and describe a unique outfit you wish Mr. Frank could sew for you.

Organize a Wear Your Favourite Outfit to School Day for your class. Take photos on that day and add captions to a bulletin board display.

As you read, note vocabulary related to the work of a tailor. Organize these words onto an anchor chart.

Make a fashion timeline of the last 60 years or more. Include pictures and elements of history related to the styles. In your opinion, what current fashion trends do you think will be part of history?

Stage a fashion show that includes elements of the periods depicted in Mr. Frank’s life as a tailor. In your presentation, include descriptions of fabrics, patterns and clothing features (large lapels, hem lengths, etc.).

The Lowdown on Denim, 50 Underwear Questions: A Bare-All History, Something From Nothing, What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World

Mots-clés

Picture book , clothing , fashion , intergenerational relationships , retirement , sewing

Commentaire descriptif

Based on the author’s childhood memories of her father’s life as a tailor, this is the heartwarming tale of Mr. Frank’s last day on the job, when an order comes in for the most important outfit of his career. What could it be? And who is the mysterious client? Follow him on the eve of his retirement as he tries to decide what design, style and fabric he will use for this very special item. The understated text of this charming read-aloud subtly builds suspense until the very end when readers discover that the outfit is none other than a superhero costume for the tailor’s very special grandson. Double spreads of graphite and mixed media illustrations convey an old-world feel, and evoke the textiles and period detail of the fashions Mr. Frank has been “measuring, cutting, stitching, sewing, mending and pressing” throughout his 60-year career. This is a story to be shared inter-generationally, both for its visual overview of fashion trends through time and for its warm depiction of the love between a grandfather and grandson.