Because of a Shoe

Julie Fogliano & Marla Frazee

This picture book for ages 2-5 is the story of a toddler’s epic tantrum due to an ill-fitting shoe, just when the child’s mother is in a rush to get out the door.  The child’s raging frustrations are clearly depicted in the illustrations, as is the mother’s building exasperation and anger. This lovely story is one to which all parents of young children can easily relate. Everyone loses their temper at times, especially with those we love the most. Neither the mother nor the son wants to be loud and yelling. After the meltdown, the mother and son remember that they are not their maddest faces and their angriest eyes: “We are still us (funny sweet us) and you still love me and I still love you and nothing will ever change something like that.” It is a lovely book to share with a child after the inevitable tantrums and subsequent fallout. The dark and stormy pictures during the fight emphasize the strong emotions and serve as a stark contrast to the bright, colorful pictures of the following calm and peace. It is a tender reminder that unconditional love between mother and child is not without conflicts and moments of regret.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay