Those Shoes

By Maribeth Boelts

Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

A young boy learns that there are more important things than having the latest footwear in this warm, funny and very real picture book.

School is a tough place to be if you don’t have the latest footwear. Jeremy can’t afford those shoes and the other kids make fun of the ridiculous kids' pair Mr Alfrey gave him from his box of cast-offs. His only hope is that maybe, just maybe, the too-small pair he found in the charity shop might miraculously stretch to fit. But there is one kid who doesn’t make fun of Jeremy’s shoes: Tony Parker. Then Jeremy sees that Tony’s shoes are falling apart and he has smaller feet – and he has a hard decision to make...

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 4+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406313604
  • Published: 03 Nov 2008
  • Price: £5.99
  •  
  • Size: 250 x 260 mm
  • Pages: 40

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'Boelts’s lovely turn-of-events story is a great way to reinforce the good feelings that come from charitable work.' Readia blog

'Boelts blends themes of teasing, embarrassment and disappointment with kindness and generosity in a realistic interracial school scenario.' Kirkus Reviews

'Whether children are on the shoe-owning or the shoe-envying side of the economic line, they can sympathize with Jeremy and rejoice in the way he eventually resolves his problem with his too-small shoes.' The Horn Book

'Art featured on the cover' Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

'Maribeth Boelts has a good eye for how the shoes bestow value at school and how Jeremy feels wearing an uncool pair. Much to discuss, especially in the ending.' Chicago Tribune

'Jones’ autumn-toned illustrations wonderfully complement Boelts’ sweet-natured main characters and non-didactic life lesson.' Booklist

'In this witty, wise picture book Boelts presents a kids-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through school at gale force.' BCCB (R* review)

'A poignant, thought-provoking book.' School Library Journal

'Maribeth Boelts introduces young readers to [a] complex issue with kindness and finesse.' Grand Rapids Press

'A wonderful story of sharing, this important book conveys what is most important in life.' Kendal Rautzhan’s “Books to Borrow, Books to Buy” column

'Featured in a roundup of picture books about compassion' Gannett News Service

'A contemporary urban story that shows the spirit of sharing with economy of language and superior craftsmanship.' Contra Costa Times

'Early elementary school kids will enjoy the hip pictures of Jeremy and his friends, and parents will take satisfaction in the way the story resolves itself.' Portland Tribune

'Featured in “P&C Picks"' Scholastic Parent & Child

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Paperback
£5.99

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Also available in:

Hardback

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