Finding the Perfect Outfit: A Review of What Should I Wear? by Melissa & Doug
As a mom navigating the delightful chaos of raising young children, I often find myself amidst a flurry of colorful dress-up clothes, mismatched socks, and endless conversations about what’s appropriate to wear—especially if it’s a “special day.” So, when I stumbled upon the What Should I Wear? soft activity book by Melissa & Doug, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. After all, I was on the hunt for something that could capture my little ones’ imagination while also providing a much-needed distraction during our nightly bedtime routine.
This beautifully crafted cloth book features a removable dress-up doll and six adorable scenes—beach trips, ballet recitals, snowy days, birthday parties, and even cozy bedtime moments. With crinkling pages and enjoyable lift-the-flap activities, my kids instantly were enamored. My two-year-old, Emma, squealed with delight as she flipped through the pages, exclaiming, “Look, Mommy! Dolly can go to the beach!” Branching out from mere storytelling, we began to play a sort of imaginative game. "What does dolly need for the beach?" became the starting point for our own little fashion show.
The illustrations, vibrant and engaging, kept both my kids glued to the book. As they pointed out different outfits and the reasoning behind them, I couldn’t help but smile (and occasionally chuckle). My older son, Lucas, who is four, surprised me with his insights. “Dolly should wear a swimsuit for the pool, Mom!” he declared, furrowing his brow in a seriousness that only a preschooler can muster. This sparked a delightful discussion about weather and occasions—perfect for engaging little minds eager to learn.
What truly delighted me was the tactile aspect of the book. The soft fabric is not only machine washable—thank goodness for that!—but also perfect for those teething phases. It survived the enthusiastic hugs, some curious little nibbles, and frequent “explorations” in the toy chest with flying colors.
I also can’t resist sharing the amusing moment when Emma decided that dolly didn’t need to dress according to the scenes, but rather in one of her favorite princess costumes for every single occasion. I laughed out loud as she “dressed” dolly for a snowy day in a sparkly gown, completely ignoring the warm coat and mittens on the page. Moments like this remind me that kids see the world through their own imaginative lenses, and I love nurturing that creativity.
With a solid rating of 4.5 stars, I wholeheartedly recommend What Should I Wear? for children ages 12-18 months, though I believe its interactive nature appeals to toddlers up to three years old. It’s both a charming gift and a delightful addition to your little one’s library, encouraging storytelling and imaginative play.
In a nutshell, this book is a sweet companion for any child—and a soothing distraction for parents looking for quiet yet engaging moments. It’s created a special place in our home, and I see it becoming a cherished family favorite. After witnessing the joy and creativity it sparked in my children, I believe it could do the same in yours!
So go ahead, grab a cozy spot, and dive into this colorful adventure with your little ones. You never know what outfit dolly will wear next!
Dive into fun and learning with the Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Book! >>
