  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 K-Gr 2—Trying to convince his mom that his worn-out sneakers are irreplaceable, a young boy recalls past adventures in his "old pair of kicks." At the shoe store, his mom says, "We aren't leaving without a new pair," so the boy tries on a virgin set and imagines future successes he might enjoy while wearing shiny new shoes. The ink and watercolor images, which depict an energetic young boy conjuring up past experiences and future exploits within an urban setting, are stronger than the text. Scenes portray the boy playing in the park, walking along city sidewalks, and skateboarding on the steps of the New York Public Library. The voice is sometimes lofty rather than childlike, implying that good times are to be remembered—"These sneakers have soul in their soles. Joy in each hole. A certain stick-to-the-sidewalk from gooey gum." Yet this cool kid's adventures offer general appeal, especially to parents of children who are attached to worn-out shoes. A shoe-tying guide on the book's cover is unfortunately underneath the jacket, making it inaccessible to most library audiences. VERDICT Delightful illustrations help balance an uneven text. A versatile addition for storytimes.—Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/15/2017 Faced with the prospect of replacing his trusty red sneakers, a young boy reminisces about how said shoes became so (in his mom’s words) “old, falling apart, stinky, and sticky.” The boy agrees that, with tears from skateboard rides, dribbles from paint and Popsicles, and much more, the shoes “might be soggy and funky,” but they are “a perfect fit, molded to my feet!” He firmly declares, “I CAN’T let them go.” The boy shops reluctantly for new shoes, eventually agreeing to try a pair of yellow high-tops, and he quickly realizes they are the perfect fit for his active lifestyle. The old red kicks are relegated to a place of honor alongside trophies, bug collections, and other mementos. The text is lively—in prose form, but with a bouncy hip-hop beat that reflects the boy’s attitude about his active life in his beloved shoes. Energetic ink-and-watercolor illustrations place the boy in a pleasant urban setting and are well matched to the text. A wonderful ode to shoes, old and new. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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