A silly rhyming story about a girl named Phoebe who is determined not to wear frilly, formal clothing and pink bows. Instead, she wants to dress like her father.

For her revolt, she refuses to get out of the bathtub once her mom throws a special party in her honor (which includes a dancing bear!!!).

I couldn't help but laugh because the picture of her sitting grumpily in the tub looks exactly like MY Phoebe who doesn't like getting her hair washed. ( )

Phoebe, age 8 in 1914, objects to wearing the kind of clothes proper young girls wore then. She prefers her father's clothes because they look more comfortable, not because she is interested in crossdressing. Finally and happily, a compromise is reached. Cute, nicely illustrated and rhymed with fancy words, but I don't need to keep it. ( )

Re-read as I picked up a copy at the library sale. Just as delightful as I remember. A strong-willed girl and loving parents can find a compromise! Clear & detailed line drawings are perfect. The rhyme makes it feel 'old-fashioned.' I believe it's based on a true story. ( )

And if you think a child can't understand concepts like passive resistance you've clearly never been a child nor had a child!

Phoebe, eight years old in 1904, is fed up ribbons, ruffles, sashes, curls and wants only to dress like her father.

Her mother's solution is to throw a party to show her how silly she is, but that backfires miserably when Phoebe simply refuses to get dressed. Her father solves the problem - first having her wear a spare outfit of his, then reminding her mother of her own misery in her own clothes at that age. And there's a happy ending - her mother concedes the point and has a few outfits made for her daughter that are more practical.

This is a lengthy book, with complicated words; and the cause of Phoebe's distress is likely to go right over the heads of the younger children. As well, the black-and-white drawings may not hold their attention. Phoebe is eight, and this book is definitely better suited for the older end of the 5-8 group. ( )