ALA Booklist

This is a messy book both in illustration and text, picturing the world of an active, creative young girl and describing friendships and expectations, which aren't always neat and tidy. As the day of the big Parade of Books approaches, Chloe discovers that her two best friends, Leo and Emma, each expect her costume to reflect their favorite theme (monsters for Leo, fairies for Emma). Not wanting to disappoint either, Chloe imagines all kinds of alternatives, including a hoped-for snow day in summer. But ultimately she creates a wonderful compromise that pleases everyone, especially herself. Readers will grin at Ross' depictions of Leo as a fairy king and Emma as a monster, Chloe's dreams of possible alternatives for her friends. Their expressions are as lively as their potential outfits. And the wordless viewpoints of Bert the dog and Chloe's baby brother (who hides some vampire teeth in his diaper) add to the fun. Lots of costume possibilities here r all kinds of pretending.

Horn Book

The Parade of Books at school is imminent, and Chloe is torn between dressing like Frankenstein's monster to appease one friend and like a fairy to appease another. After much agonizing and crafting, Chloe splits the difference with a Frankenfairy costume. The writing is particularly sharp, and readers just may find Chloe's DIY ethos, documented in the high-energy illustrations, contagious.

Kirkus Reviews

Chloe finds herself once again with a cliffhanger of a problem (Crafty Chloe, 2012). And it involves her two best friends. Can her creative powers get her out of this pickle? DiPucchio's story is filled with entertaining drama and deadpan hilarity. The Parade of Books is a costumed event at school, and Chloe is torn between the ideas of two very best but very different friends. Leo and Chloe are planning to go as Frankenstein and Dracula. But Emma, at their weekly spa day, says they should be Fairy Club fairies and is horrified at Chloe's plan. " ‘You're going to be a MONSTER?' Emma's oatmeal mask cracked." Chloe begins the herculean task of finding a solution to this predicament. The text provides painful insight into the creative process, and Ross' digitally colored pencil drawings capture this charismatic spirit. Chloe's frustration is palpable as she dons her winter coat and hat on a beautiful sunny day, hoping a snow day might cancel the impending festivities. With pacing that mimics the first installment, the book gives Chloe a down-to-the-wire moment of inspiration; she begins fussing and fixing through the night. The last page shows Chloe's creative genius, reflecting it in the adoration of her best friends' eyes. Share this lively tale of bighearted friendship and originality with young readers needing a little zest for life. A corresponding website provides crafting ideas and instructions. (Picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal (Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

K-Gr 3 Crafty Chloe returns with her tape measure, scissors, fabric, and pom-poms for her second adventure. This time, she faces a costume dilemma. The Parade of Books, one of her favorite days, is next week. Chloe had planned to dress up as Frankenstein to match her buddy Leo's Dracula outfit. But her other friend, Emma, wants them both to dress up as Fairy Club fairies. After several failed attempts at designing the perfect getup, Chloe finally creates the ideal ensemble to please both of her pals-a roller-skating Frankenfairy mash-up, complete with pink cotton Bride-of-Frankenstein hair, fairy wings, and tutu. Readers can't help but be charmed by this spunky heroine's enthusiasm and her desire to please two friends with opposite tastes. Ross's spirited drawings, rendered in pencil and colored digitally, keep the action bouncing along. The use of varying perspectives and drawings of different sizes fits Chloe's creative nature. The last page includes a website for instructions on some of the costumes shown in the book (although most of them will need adult help). Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT