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  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress
  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress
  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress
  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress
  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress
  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress
  • Nancy Bess Had a Dress

Nancy Bess Had a Dress

Written by Claire Noland
Illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins

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~ A Foreward INDIES Picture Book of the Year Finalist! ~

After the family flour sack is emptied, Nancy Bess remakes it into a dress, only to find new uses for it as her needs change with the passing of the seasons. This exploration of repurposing and recycling in days gone by will have young readers in the modern era thinking of new ways to "make do" with what they have around them! 

Download Press Release

March 19, 2024

Key Concepts

Recycling and repurposing, arts/crafts (quilting and sewing), seasons, and U.S. history (1930's).

Additional Details

  • 10 x 10 inches
  • 32 Pages
  • Ages 5 to 9
  • Trade ISBN: 9781957655239
  • Ebook ISBN: 9781957655260

    • Reader Reviews

    • ★★★★★

      “A resourceful girl imparts a history lesson and a message on sustainability in this period picture book . . . Bold colors and whimsical patterns stitch together to form dynamic illustrations as Nancy Bess skips along a creek’s edge, balances pies on her head, and
      picks oranges.      ”


      Danielle Ballantyne, Foreward Magazine

    • ★★★★★

      “Nancy Bess and her multi-purpose flour sack will make an excellent story for history units and environmental lessons, with the story’s gentle pitch for conservation and repurposing. A delightful addition to all primary library shelves.”


      Tracy Cronce, School Library Journal (Sept. 2024 Online)

    • ★★★★★

      “. . . Noland’s writing is lovely. The colorful illustrations by Angela C. Hawkins are simply enchanting with marvelous details filling every page and complementing the story perfectly. Kids will love this beautiful book.”


      Rosi Hollinbeck, Los Angeles Book Review, May 2024

    • ★★★★★

      “Children will enjoy seeing (and guessing?) how Nancy Bess will next use the pretty patterned cloth. The recurrent phrase, “Nancy Bess knew how to make do” is catchy. The full-page, colorful illustrations hide a second story, revealed at the end. Delightful! ”


      Elizabeth Caulfield Felt, Historical Novel Society

    Awards & Accolades