A Vibrant Celebration of Culture: A Comprehensive Review of What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World

Introduction: A Book That Dresses the World in Color

Imagine flipping through a book and instantly being transported to a bustling market in India, a snowy village in Norway, or a sunlit plaza in Mexico—all through the lens of clothing. What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera does exactly that. This visually stunning and thoughtfully curated book is a celebration of global diversity, showcasing how children from different cultures express identity, tradition, and belonging through what they wear.

Published by the Global Fund for Children, this book isn’t just a collection of photographs—it’s a doorway to understanding. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply a curious reader, What We Wear invites you to explore the world through fabric, patterns, and cultural pride.

Plot Summary: A Global Wardrobe Unveiled

Unlike traditional narrative-driven books, What We Wear is a photographic journey. Each page introduces young readers to children from various countries, dressed in their everyday or traditional attire. From school uniforms in Japan to vibrant festival costumes in Brazil, the book highlights how clothing serves as a universal language of identity.

The book doesn’t follow a linear plot but instead presents a series of snapshots, each accompanied by simple yet evocative text. The focus is on inclusivity—children from urban and rural settings, different economic backgrounds, and diverse climates are all represented. The absence of a rigid storyline allows readers to absorb each image at their own pace, making it perfect for both independent exploration and guided discussions.

Character Analysis: The Real Faces Behind the Fashion

Since the book features real children rather than fictional characters, the “character analysis” here is more about the cultural representation. Each child photographed becomes a silent storyteller. Their clothing speaks volumes—about their heritage, their daily lives, and their personal or communal celebrations.

For example:

  • A Maasai child in Kenya wears a beaded necklace and red shuka, symbols of their pastoral culture.
  • A young girl in Scotland poses in a tartan kilt, connecting her to centuries of clan history.
  • A boy in the United States sports a baseball cap and jeans, reflecting casual Western style.

These aren’t just outfits—they’re statements of pride, belonging, and sometimes even resistance. The book subtly encourages readers to ask: What does my clothing say about me?

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simplicity with Depth

The narrative technique is immersive rather than explanatory. Instead of telling readers why certain clothes are worn, the book shows them in context, fostering curiosity. For instance, a child in a hijab isn’t labeled—she’s simply pictured smiling in a classroom, normalizing her attire without commentary. This subtlety is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

Thematic Exploration: More Than Just Clothes

At its core, What We Wear explores themes of:

  • Cultural Identity: How clothing preserves heritage.
  • Unity in Diversity: Despite differences, all children share the human experience of dressing for function and expression.
  • Global Awareness: Encouraging empathy by showcasing lifestyles beyond the reader’s own.

One profound takeaway is the idea that clothing is never “just fashion.” It can signify rites of passage (like a First Communion dress), resilience (such as refugee children in donated clothes), or even protest (like a girl in a STEM T-shirt challenging stereotypes).

Personal Reading Experience: A Journey Without Leaving Home

Reading this book felt like taking a whirlwind trip across continents. As someone who loves anthropology, I was fascinated by the small details—the embroidery on a Palestinian thobe, the practicality of a Mongolian deel in cold climates. But what struck me most was the joy radiating from each child’s face. There’s no exoticism or “othering”—just genuine representation.

I found myself lingering on pages, imagining the stories behind each outfit. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversations, whether with a child (“Would you like to wear that?”) or an adult (“How does our clothing reflect our values?”).

Comparison to Similar Works

What We Wear stands out in the genre of multicultural children’s books. Unlike Children Just Like Me by Anabel Kindersley, which blends clothing with broader lifestyle details, Ajmera’s book zeroes in on attire as a focal point. It’s also more visually driven than If You Lived Here by Giles Laroche, which focuses on homes rather than fashion.

For educators, this book pairs well with The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland, as both emphasize global interconnectedness. However, What We Wear is uniquely specialized, making it a standout for discussions on cultural dress.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Stunning Photography: The images are vibrant, candid, and full of life.
  • Inclusivity: Represents a wide range of cultures, including lesser-known ones.
  • Educational Yet Engaging: Perfect for classrooms or bedtime reading.
  • Promotes Empathy: Normalizes differences while highlighting shared humanity.

Minor Weaknesses:

  • Limited Text: Some readers might crave more context about certain garments.
  • No Index or Glossary: A reference section for cultural terms would be helpful.

That said, these “weaknesses” are also what keep the book open-ended, encouraging further research and discussion.

Target Audience: Who Should Read This?

  • Children Ages 4–10: The simplicity and visuals are perfect for young readers.
  • Parents & Educators: A fantastic tool for teaching diversity and geography.
  • Travel Enthusiasts & Culture Lovers: A beautiful coffee-table book for all ages.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

While the book is image-heavy, a few lines stand out:

“What we wear tells the world who we are.”

“Some clothes are for play. Some are for prayer. Some are for celebration.”

These snippets encapsulate the book’s essence—clothing as identity, function, and joy.

Cultural & Historical Context

Clothing has always been a marker of social status, ethnicity, and history. From the kimono’s evolution in Japan to the dashiki’s political significance in Africa, attire is deeply intertwined with culture. What We Wear doesn’t delve into history explicitly, but it provides a springboard for these discussions.

For instance, seeing a Native child in regalia might lead to conversations about colonization and cultural preservation. The book’s power lies in its ability to ignite curiosity about these deeper narratives.

Final Thoughts: Why This Book Matters

In a world where cultural misunderstandings persist, What We Wear is a gentle yet profound reminder of our shared humanity. It doesn’t preach tolerance—it shows it, through the universal act of getting dressed. Whether you’re buying it for a child, a classroom, or yourself, this book is a treasure.

đź”— Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  1. Which outfit in the book would you like to wear, and why?
  2. How does your clothing reflect your culture or personality?
  3. Why do you think some clothes are worn only for special occasions?

Have you read What We Wear? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.