Synopsis
The Part Mart is a story with an edge about being happy with who you really are.
Each night as she pulled off her socks before sleep,
Millicent Clark turned away from her feet.
They both were too wide, like they came from great apes.
She'd never seen human feet come in these shapes.
Then...
She saw a sign at the end of her street
that promised a fix for her off-putting feet.
"The Part Mart," it said, "is a place you can go
to swap out the parts that make you feel low."
And so begins a series of visits with Doctor Parts, replacing the bits she feels are holding her back. She "improves." Becomes famous, but loses herself in the process.
In the end, she gives it all up and becomes what she was before, but with the added ingredient of satisfaction.
On her journey, Millicent learns that she's more than just pieces.
She's altogether wonderful.
Young Millicent Clark is not pleased. Every night before bed, Millicent sees just how big her feet are, and how long her second toe is! Bullied at school, and ashamed of her own self, Millicent seeks an unusual solution at the Part Mart. Here, Dr. Partz cheerfully replaces the bits of Millicent she wants to improve. But as she continues to become smarter and stronger, Millicent slowly begins to lose herself. Will Millicent continue on the path to perfection, or will she finally see the true beauty within?
The Part Mart by Bret Nelson is a lighthearted adventure with surprising depth. The illustrations by Pete Mitchell look like classic cartoon art, and compliment this complex story in every way. Dr. Partz looks super trustworthy, cheerfully going about his work to improve people, which is far ahead of current legislation. I could clearly envision agents with clipboards just waiting outside the Part Mart. The rhyming text is put together incredibly well, and the story has a wonderfully rhythmic flow as the pages turn.
But the true value in this story is in the message it shares. In this modern world of filters and glamor and machines, it is all too easy to begin to hold oneself to an impossible standard of perfection. Millicent’s struggle is easy to identify with, as she seeks to excel in a world where she is laughed at simply for being different. But the truth is, whether we are in our clamorous world of science and drama, or Millicent’s world of ink and paper, people do not need to be perfect. They simply need to be real. And we are enough, exactly as we are. Millicent’s story shows this important truth in vivid color, as the story comes to a conclusion that nearly brought me to tears. This incredibly bold and beautiful tale is one that is sorely needed in this day and age, and earns five out of five stars for excellence in promoting tolerance and diversity while teaching the true value of self-worth.
Although no real harm comes to Millicent, there are several illustrations which show a decapitated head and disembodied limbs, which may unnerve some readers. No blood is shown. Other than that, this deep tale of acceptance is suitable for ages 7 and up, and all audiences that need to be reminded that being ourselves is more than enough. A poignant story that is truly a treasure indeed, The Part Mart by Bret Nelson should have a place in every home library.
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