Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe -- Kate Messner

<b>An inspiring picture book biography about the amazing Ann Lowe--the first nationally-known African American fashion designer.</b> <p/><i>A careful snip, a delicate fold. <br>Fabric the color of new petals. <br>Skirts that flare like upside-down blossoms. <br>A garden bursts into bloom! <p/>There is no "good enough." <br>For Ann, only the best will do.</i> <p/>Award-winning author Kate Messner, costume historian Margaret E. Powell, and fashion designer and illustrator Erin Robinson tell the powerful story of the ground-breaking Ann Lowe, who grew up in a small Alabama dress shop and became the first nationally-known African American fashion designer. Sought after by millionaires and movie stars, her designs walked the red carpet and graced the wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier. <p/>At a time when the world around her thought African Americans deserved no more than second-class treatment, Ann expected no less than very best for herself. <p/>THE FIRST, FAMED BLACK FASHION DESIGNER: Although she faced many hardships, Ann's spirit, talent, and belief in herself always shone through. This story provides an empowering, real-life role model for young girls--and especially Black girls--to relate to and see themselves in, at an age when building self-confidence is more important than ever. <p/>ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY AND PERSERVERENCE: Full of interesting details about how Ann came up with her designs, and how she always forged ahead in spite of setbacks, this