Little David Earl always knows what day of the week it is. He can tell by the clean, snappy-fresh apron Ma Dear is wearing -- a different color for every day. Monday means washing, with Ma Dear scrubbing at her tub in a blue apron. Tuesday is ironing, in a sunshine yellow apron that brightens Ma's spirits. And so it goes until Sunday, when Ma Dear doesn't have to wear an apron and they can set aside some special no-work time, just for themselves. In their first collaboration, Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack and award-winninng illustrator Floyd Cooper lovingly recreate a slice of turn-of-the-century Southern life as it was for a single African-American mother and her son.

Aprons can be seen everywhere, from upscale catalogues to trendy stores. What's more, today's versions are so incredibly cute, they're no longer relegated to kitchen wear.

Historical nonfiction genre has been widely divergent in subject matter and approach. There is no reason to believe authorial creativity will dry out anytime soon. The history of food preparation’s attire gives the overall and –long narrative swift movement through time and events in both commercial and domestic kitchens. “I am a Librarian: I bring history in my research, and history of fashion accessories into my books.” (Tomshinsky, 2014) Since ancient times, aprons have been used as the simplest ways of covering the human body while preparing food. Aprons evolved into a practical way of shielding one’s body from more just prying eyes. Aprons were frequently included in the chefs’ uniforms, household servants’ wardrobe, from cooks to maids. From a simple garment to an essential protective layer, from the staid to the designer fashions, aprons have come a long way. They are currently at the center of the Renaissance of chic and practicality of the kitchen attire for chefs and modern women who like to cook and entertain.

“Fancy Aprons and Sunbonnets” is a classic guide to making a variety of traditional women's aprons, with chapters on hat making. Written at a time when women would commonly wear aprons for housework and cooking, this volume will appeal to those with an interest in hand crafting vintage clothing and needlework in general. Contents include: “Dressmaking And Tailoring”, “Fancy And Sewing Aprons”, “Square And Round Sewing Aprons”, “Clothes-Pin Apron And Bag”, “Sunbonnets And Sun Hats”, “Sunbonnets”, “Fancy Aprons And Sunbonnets Examination”, “Questions”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on dressmaking and tailoring.

The Apron Book showcases full-color photos of new and vintage aprons from Geisel's vast collection, patterns for four basic apron styles and myriad variations, recipes, tips on collecting and preserving vintage aprons, and heart-tugging stories from the traveling apron exhibit. The book also explores the history and heyday of aprons and looks at the various roles aprons still play when worn in the kitchen, around the house, by the backyard grill, on the job, or for a special occasion.

Aprons are ideal for kids to wear when playing with paints and clay, helping in the garden and assisting mom or grandma in the kitchen to catch up all the spills and splashes that can occur. Here are a few patterns and ideas that are easy to make and can be adapted to suit the size of your kids. It’s very easy to measure the length and width of an apron when the kids are close by. Use your imagination when decorating the aprons so that kids will enjoy wearing them.