PPBF – The Little Red Chair

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to curl up in a cozy chair and read a book. And I think I’ve found the Perfect Picture Book.

 

Title: The Little Red Chair

Written By: Cathy Stefanec Ogren

Illustrated By: Alexandra Thompson

Publisher/Date: Sleeping Bear Press/2024

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: furniture, treasured items, repurposing furniture

Opening:

The little red chair tightened its buttons, fluffed it tufts, and straightened its tiny brass wheels.

Squeakity-squeak!

Maybe today, thought the little red chair.

Brief Synopsis: The story of the relationship between a small red chair and the girl who loved it, told from the perspective of the chair.

Links to Resources:

• Download the Activity Sheets;
• Discover and learn about antiques and vintage items;
• Visit an antique shop or ask an older relative or friend about furniture, jewelry, or keepsakes that are important to them;
• Learn about Salesmen’s Samples in the Back Matter.

Why I Like this Book:

In this heartwarming new picture book, a ratty-looking old chair languishes unloved in an antiques store, hoping that someone will love it. When Mia and her mother visit the store, the chair is thrilled that Mia finds it to be just the right size – a nod, perhaps, to Goldilocks, and something to which young kids readily will relate. Thankfully, Mia’s mother is handy and able to reupholster the chair in Mia’s favorite color.

Of course Mia grows up and the chair is left behind. I won’t spoil the ending, but I think any grandparent reading this (or parent who keeps everything their children loved) can imagine what happens.

Although this story is similar to Bear is a Bear (Jonathan Stutzman & Dan Santat/2021), it differs in one important way: Mia’s chair had a prior life, and she and her mother reupholster it before Mia starts using it. I love this added layer that even something tattered and torn can be restored to beauty and usefulness.

For anyone interested in restoring antique or vintage items, instilling a love of older items in kids, or looking for a heartwarming read, I heartily recommend The Little Red Chair.

A Note about Craft:

Ogren tells this story from the perspective of the chair. Although it doesn’t speak or act on its own, Ogren’s descriptions of its interactions with Mia help readers empathize with it. Interestingly, the story is based on a real chair, a small-scale Salesmen’s Sample that Ogren’s friend owned.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!