Shoes: A Rollicking Rhyming Picture Book About Learning to Tie for Kids (Ages 4-8)

by Elizabeth Winthrop, William Joyce (Illustrator)

Here are "shoes to skate in, shoes to skip in, shoes to turn a double flip in"! A sweet and charming rhyming look at a favorite topic for pre-K and kindergarten kids—perfect for anyone helping children learn to tie their shoes. This book was a Reading Rainbow selection and praised by School Library Journal , which noted: "Story hour groups will be checking out each other’s footwear after hearing this rollicking rhyming paean to shoes." The art by William Joyce—whose books include George Shrinks, the Guardians and Dinosaur Bob series,, and the #1  New York Times  bestselling  The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore , which is also an Academy Award–winning short film—was praised by Booklist as "animated, energetic, and warmly colored." The perfect book to share during units on clothing and getting dressed—and for all teachers and parents helping children learn to tie their shoes. 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

ELIZABETH WINTHROP ALSOP (www.elizabethwinthropalsop.com), is the author of over sixty works of fiction for all ages, including ISLAND JUSTICE and IN MY MOTHER'S HOUSE, both available as e-books.

DAUGHTER OF SPIES: Wartime Secrets, Family Lies, her memoir about her parents' love affair during World War II and her own childhood in 1950s Washington as the daughter of a famous journalist, will be published October 25, 2022 by Regal House.

Her short story, The Golden Darters, was selected by Best American Short Stories by Robert Stone and was recently read on SELECTED SHORTS by the renowned actress, Ann Dowd. She is the author of the memoir piece, Don't Knock Unless You're Bleeding; Growing Up in Cold War Washington.The daughter of Stewart Alsop, the political journalist, she divides her time between New York City and the Berkshires.

Her historical novel, COUNTING ON GRACE was chosen as a Notable Book of the Year by the American Library Association, the National Council of Social Studies, the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council among others. The novel has also been nominated for state book awards in Vermont, Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri,Indiana, Hawaii and Arizona.

THE CASTLE IN THE ATTIC and its sequel, THE BATTLE FOR THE CASTLE, were nominated for twenty-three state book awards and are considered children’s fantasy classics.

Her popular picture books include DUMPY LA RUE, SHOES,DOG SHOW, SQUASHED IN THE MIDDLE and most recently, THE FIRST CHRISTMAS STOCKING and THE BIGGEST PARADE. Two of her recent books for older children are THE RED-HOT RATTOONS, a comic fantasy novel and DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, Letters from a Milltown Girl, a work of historical fiction set in western Massachusetts.

For more information, www.elizabethwinthrop.com

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features a variety of children showing various rhymed type of shoes - too low, too high, shoes to buckle, shoes to tie - until the very end, the best shoes of all, your bare feet.

Very cute, cute illustrations, cute text, short and simple enough for the youngest child - love it.

One problem. For a book published in the late 80s, there's not much in the way of diversity in this book. In fact, there isn't a single child (or adult) in the book that I could point to and positively say "That kid isn't white".

That doesn't make the book bad, or racist - it just is very visible. Although I suppose it's possible all the kids are supposed to be part of the same family, that's not clear to me.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are shoes to buckle, shoes to tie, shoes too low, and shoes too high.

You get the picture. Children will identify tennies, sandals, stilts, cleats, boots, slippers,flippers, skates and footwear of all descriptions. But best of all our their own bare feet.

[Diane Emerling]

My granddaughters favorite book when she was a toddler. She is 20 now and can still recite the book. I can't tell you how many times we read this book together as she sat in my lap, It brings back fond memories of her childhood.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until recently, I have not found many informational texts for young children other than large print, one word per page picture book. This one is a full sentence of vocabulary. It helps syntax understanding and teaches about shoes in a silly way.

[Cathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a darling book, with fun rhymes (just a few words per page) and delightful, colorful illustrations by William Joyce. This was a READING RAINBOW book back in the 1990s, but more important to me, it was a Van Leuven kids' favorite.

[LizthePrude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Rose really enjoys this book! Maybe because it's about one of her favorite things :)

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!!! A simple but fun poem about all the different kinds of shoes. The illustrations are total charmers. A Reading Rainbow Book and with good reason.

[Sharlene Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shoes come in many different sizes and for many different occasions. What's your favorite kind of shoe?

[Kristina Arnold]

This is a very simple book but a great poem book when trying to teach children to make words at the end rhyme.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute little book with great illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Rainbow: A Three Hat Day
We enjoyed this and Bea was happy to help read it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My youngest son loved this book and it's one of the few I kept over the years. He's now 19 years old and he still smiles when I read it to him.

[Miss Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

GR Level: J

NOT AVAILABLE

Cute book about all different kinds of shoes you can wear.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about all different kinds of shoes you can wear.

[Buxmont Uu]

CMMW 3

[Abby Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children will love the rhyme and repetition found in this story! The text could have been a bit more rich.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

the pictures are a little dated but I really loved the simple text and flow of the book about all different types of shoes.

[Alice Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming text explores all kinds of shoes and when to wear them. Recommend for 2-4 year olds.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short text makes this big book helpful when hosting a mixed-age storytime crowd, but the illustrations are pretty dated.

Alternate title for Shoes and Socks storytime in January 2019.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book to begin to identify different kinds of shoes and what we use them for. Rhythmic text and bright illustrations. The book itself is a bit small to use with a group, but works for a small group. The only problem is the lack of diversity, all the kids depicted are white. This doesn't make it a horrible book, but still, something to be aware of in my book choices for library story times.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of rhyme, tells all about the different kinds of shoes, and how they can be used. Some are for running, some are for walking, riding, swimming. Some are loose, and some are tight, but there is a pair of shoes that are just right, a perfect fit just for the wearer.

[Presley Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the cutest children’s books I have read. I think it’s a cute introduction to what shoes are and what they can help you do as a child. It’s small but super engaging with pictures and rhyming. Overall, it’s a good book for kindergarten or 1st grade.

[EGLYMAR ORDINAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro!!

[Lynne Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandchildren loved this book

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little book for small children. It introduces kids to different kinds of shoes and where they are worn. Playful illustrations.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the shoes your in because they were made for you.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought so many shoes were for so many different activities, this cute poem about shoes is fun. Illustrations are beautiful

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable. And informative.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In board book format this adorable story and perfect rhyme is about shoes. Example: there are shoes to buckle shoes to tie, shoes too low and shoes too high. Beautifully illustrated.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the first page of this book, a small child sits on a bed, looking in puzzlement at his shoes, which are tied together. This whimsical little book explores the wonder of shoes through light verse: "There are shoes to buckle, shoes to tie / shoes too low, and shoes too high." William Joyce makes the most of the poem with his illustrations of four children who romp throught the pages in every imaginable kind of footwear. But, the author concludes, "Best of all ... (are) your very own skinny-boned, wiggly-toed FEET." A delight for 3-5 year olds.