Fashionista Gemma Riley is a very mature 10 year old who loves to design funky clothes and accessories. She lives with her Grandmother Cara and Monsieur Dior, her adorable cat, above the House of Bonefete. Cara started the fashion house 50 years ago and there is great excitement about the forthcoming collection that will be a celebration of her achievements.

However, when disaster strikes Cara, she is unable to design the new collection and plans are put in place for an assistant to draw the designs under Cara’s instructions. Fortunately, Cara has instilled a love of fashion and design in her young granddaughter. Gemma’s eye for detail and passion for fashion make her an integral part of the team. But Gemma becomes suspicious of the new assistant. Along with her best friend, Hannah, Gemma helps to steer the fashion house through a fashion fiasco!

This is a charming little book. Author Jules Van Mil delves into the world of fashion; the excitement that leads to a fashion collection, the jealousy from competing designers and the creativity and skills needed. Readers will appreciate the glossary of design and fashion terms at the end of the book and will love the ‘How to make …’ instructions following some of the chapters. In fact, by the time you finish this book you may well have modernised those old pair of sneakers sitting in the back of your wardrobe!

Reviewed by Cathy d’Apice
Age Guide 10+