The Hundred Dresses Activities and Book Club

As a kid and teenager, I truly hated reading. I found zero joy in it. There was a book with the cutest cover that featured an adorable cocker spaniel. I really wanted to read it, but I could never bring myself to open it. It wasn’t until college that I discovered the magic of reading, and since then, my love for books has only grown! Looking back, I realize that I missed out on a lot as a child. That’s why one of my biggest goals as a parent is to instill a love of reading in my kids.

One of the most enjoyable ways we’ve been doing this is by hosting a cousin book club. The kids absolutely love reading the book and then getting together for a fun party based on the story. It’s a wonderful way for us to bond over literature, and of course, there are always treats involved! We’ve had such a blast with this idea that we decided to make it completely duplicatable for you. Our book clubs are perfect for teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to inspire kids to love reading! Let’s dive in! 

For our book club, we chose the timeless classic, “The Hundred Dresses” by Eleanor Estes. This book is great to read before school starts because it teaches kindness and shows how our actions affect others.

"The Hundred Dresses" tells the story of Wanda Petronski, a young girl who is teased by her classmates for her unusual name and simple background. Despite the bullying, Wanda says she has a hundred beautiful dresses. This claim sparks curiosity and leads to an important lesson in empathy. The narrative unfolds in a way that encourages children to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on others.

Eleanor Estes was a celebrated author known for her ability to weave deep emotional truths into her stories. She grew up in a big family in a small town. Her childhood experiences inspired her to write about friendship and how people interact with each other. Her writing resonates with both children and adults, making her a beloved figure in children's literature.

The illustrations in "The Hundred Dresses" by Louis Slobodkin beautifully complement Estes' narrative. Slobodkin's artwork shows the characters and their emotions, helping readers connect more with the story. His illustrations are not just decorative; they deepen the understanding of the themes presented in the text.

Originally published in 1944, "The Hundred Dresses" has stood the test of time. It was named a Newbery Honor book in 1945, showing its importance and quality in children's literature. Over the years, it has come out in many editions and formats, making it easy for new readers to enjoy. Whether in hardcover, paperback, or digital format, this book remains a staple in many homes and classrooms.

"The Hundred Dresses" is not just a story; it is an enduring classic in children's literature. It has been listed in the NEA's Top 100 Books for Children, highlighting its importance in fostering a love for reading and learning. Many elementary schools use this book to teach kids about empathy, kindness, and the effects of their actions.

This heartfelt story delves into the complexities of childhood friendships and the impact of bullying. Through the characters' experiences, readers feel the pain of teasing and learn why it's important to stand up for what is right.

• Wanda Petronski: A quiet and sensitive Polish immigrant girl who faces bullying from her classmates due to her unique name and background. Despite the teasing, she possesses a rich imagination and artistic talent.
• Maddie: The conflicted narrator who is friends with Peggy, the leader of the teasing. Maddie grapples with her feelings of guilt and the desire to do the right thing.
• Peggy: The popular girl who often leads the mockery of Wanda. Her actions raise questions about the nature of popularity and the consequences of bullying.

The story begins with Wanda's daily struggle as she endures bullying and isolation from her classmates. Even though she is quiet, she claims to have a hundred beautiful dresses, which only makes Peggy and the other kids tease her more. As the plot unfolds, Wanda's artistic talent is revealed through her drawings, showcasing her creativity and imagination. However, the joy of her talent is overshadowed by the discrimination she faces. Ultimately, Wanda's family decides to move away, leaving behind the hurtful environment that drove them away. Maddie's journey of regret and moral growth is a key theme as she thinks about her actions and how she contributed to Wanda's suffering.

By sharing this story with your children, you can teach them to accept differences and stand up to bullying. "The Hundred Dresses" serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness and the lasting impact it can have on others.

In our book club, you will receive an outline to walk you through every step of the process. The bundle includes invitations that you or your child can address and deliver to kids you’d like to join the book club. The outline has a list of materials, activity instructions, and questions for the kids to discuss while they participate. We’ve added changes for both early and fluent readers, so you can adjust the materials to suit your group. Plus, our fabulous bundle comes with a kindness tracker that you can send home with your readers as a reminder to always be kind.

For this book club, we’ve designed a beautiful book that can be printed on watercolor paper. It’s filled with quotes about kindness, beautiful dress designs, and a kindness pledge. Readers will watercolor the dresses, read the quotes, discuss the book, and then sign the Kindness Pledge. You can bind the book club in any way that works for you, but check out this video to see how we bound the book.

Of course, you can also print this book on standard paper and have the readers color it with crayons, markers, or whatever they prefer. Watercolor provides a unique experience, but it’s completely up to you!

Let me give you a peek into what our book club for “The Hundred Dresses” looked like! We had the kids wear their favorite nice dresses, which added a fun touch to our gathering. We styled their hair in curls and braids and even added some makeup to help them feel fancy for the tea party. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they arrived, ready to dive into the story together.

To make the space feel inviting, we decorated with candles, fresh flowers, and a variety of treats. This setup not only made the gathering feel special but also encouraged the kids to chat and share their thoughts about the book. After discussing the story, we started the activity of watercoloring dresses, just like the ones Wanda claimed to have. We discussed how the dresses connected to the story and why it's important to stand up for others, even when it's hard.

After the activity, we enjoyed a lovely tea party, complete with delicious snacks. You can use simple or creative decorations; the goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and excited to participate. If you want to host your own book club, you can get the book club outline and activity bundle HERE to make planning easy!

The kids all loved the evening and were thrilled with the activity, the dresses, the treats, and everything in between. I think our objective of helping kids find the magic in reading was accomplished! What do you think?

If you liked “The Hundred Dresses” or want more books about kindness, take a look at some of our favorite titles. We’ve curated a list of heartwarming stories that inspire compassion and understanding, perfect for sharing with your kids!

If you want more fun book club ideas, check out our other blog posts featuring the book clubs we’ve hosted. Each post includes unique activities, discussion questions, and themes that will inspire your kids to love reading even more!

By making these special experiences with books, we can help our children find joy in reading and learn the value of kindness. Happy reading!