Flock of Shoes
Description
Abby loves her pink and brown sandals with the lime green trim, and she wears them wherever she goes. But as summer draws to a close, Abby’s mom announces that it’s time for the sandals to go. Abby is determined to keep them on—until one day, while swinging at the park, her sandals flip off and fly away.
All winter long, Abby wonders what her sandals are up to. Postcards of sandy white beaches and glorious sunsets reassure her that they are having a wonderful time in far away places.
Come February, Abby realizes that she has also grown to love her cozy, comfy boots. As the warm weather comes, she watches sadly as they march off, but a swish in the sky announces the return of her pink and brown sandals—all ready for another summer of fun.
Full of whimsy, this circular tale is enhanced by rich, evocative language and delicate pastel illustrations that are sure to delight any young child.
Awards
- Commended, Best Bets List for Children, Ontario Library Association 2010
- Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2010
- Short-listed, Book of the Year Award finalist, Foreword Reviews 2010
- Nominated, Blue Spruce Award nomination, Ontario Library Association 2010
Reviews
“This glorious and whimsical book … would be a lovely gift for all the little “Abbys” in your life and of course all their mothers (and fathers too!).”—Word of Mouse Book Reviews, 07/10
“This is possibly the first picture book on shoe migration, an idea that imaginative children will find nearly believable and wholly satisfying.”—Booklist, 10/10
“The art is wonderful … and the text is amazingly and beautifully poetic.”—wordsbymom.com, 13/10/10
“We all found this story … adorable. [It] is an endearing read for any child 2-6.”—girlsgonereading.net, 14/10/10
“This whimsical tale is sure to beguile anyone who has ever outgrown a much-loved pair of shoes.”—Kirkus Reviews, 11/10
“Sarah Tsiang does a wonderful job depicting just how connected a child can be with a piece of clothing and Quin Leng’s watercolour illustrations compliment the warmth of the story. The story of summer shoes needing to go away somewhere warm is a delightful way to look at seasonal items.”—wordpress.com, 11/03/10
“… Tsiang’s simple yet evocative language will engage young listeners … Leng’s depiction of Abby’s world … is magical.”—CM Reviews, 11/10
“Both the words and story are pure magic.”-—edwardsmagazinebookclub.com, 11/14/10
“Tsiang’s text is a delight to read, with a gentle poetic rhythm. Highly recommended.”—Resource Links, 12/10
“This amusing tale that finally explains where shoes go in the off season is great fun.”—School Library Journal, 03/11
“This whimsical story filled with charming watercolors will warm the hearts of small children while teaching them a valuable lesson.”—ForeWord Reviews, 2/11
“This imaginative, circular story is not only fun and easily relatable for children between ages two and seven, but a pleasure for parents as well.”—Québec Library Association, 03/11
“This is a fun and engaging story, touched with humour and a lot of magic.”—Canadian Children’s Book News, Spring 2011
“The writing ... is spare, lyrical and delightfully funny, and is a perfect match for the whimsical and warm watercolour illustrations.”—canadianbookshelf.com, 12/10/11
“... (a) great Canadian not-to-be-missed children's book ...”—canadianbookshelf.com, 1/26/12
“The writing in A Flock of Shoes is spare, lyrical and delightfully funny, and is a perfect match for the whimsical and warm watercolour illustrations.”—canadianbookshelf.com, 02/01/12
“Full of whimsy, this circular tale is enhanced by rich, evocative language and delicate illustrations that are sure to delight any young child.”—Whom You Know, 04/29/15