Simply Winnie

Teaming up with artist Cloud, entrepreneur and model Harlow debuts with a school-day story about a fashionista with vitiligo who prioritizes being herself. After spending the summer assembling looks (“A swirl of spunk... / A splash of sass... ”), Winnie is “ready to shine.” Though she quickly makes a friend in class, Winnie’s devastated when dressing like a tiger, instead of wearing one of the tiger shirts distributed by her teacher, finds her left out of the class’s “tiger club.” A visit to her grandmother’s garden, where a lone iris blooms boldly among the roses, helps Winnie realize that standing out is something to celebrate. Inspired by this revelation, she creates fun, fashionable accessories for her classmates, catalyzing moments of connection as well as ensuring that everyone can feel unique, “simply as they are.” Appealing digital illustrations spotlight the vibrant protagonist across this inspirational telling. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (June)