Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel from Candlewick Press

Hardcover ISBN: 9780763688400
On Sale March 21st, 2017

About the book: For kids who march to their own drummer — or are especially attached to a comfort object — here is a completely adorable character who wears his singularity in style.

Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin’s wedding, he’s going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It’s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can root for — whatever color pants they wear.

My thoughts: Bringing the theme of children's attachment quirks (is that the best word?) to a picture book that seems to be a fun book is a bit different or so it seems to me. At first examination, I didn't care for Kraegel's "Green Pants." However, as I re-read it I began to see how well the parents in the book handled Jameson's attachment quirk by allowing his continued attachment to be his choice or to grow a bit of flexibility and discard his attachment in lieu of something he wants more. To get to that point....

It is quite obvious that Jameson is part of a gentle, loving family.  His uncle and uncle's finance want him to participate in their wedding and his mother gently explains to him about wearing a black tuxedo instead of his green pants. He thinks he can do it, but then his attachment sets in and he is emotionally tied to those green pants.

Given the choice by his mother who doesn't back down he is at a crossroads. Then his uncle's finance speaks to him and he joyfully overcomes his quirky attachment and gladly wears the black tuxedo. The ending is quite cute as he erupts into dancing .... in his green pants.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by Candlewick Press to facilitate this review of my own opinions. I was not compensated.