ALL the shoe sounds feature throughout the book, making this a highly interactive read that is sure to get kids on their feet. Kids will have loads of fun reading along, making all the fun shoe sounds and pretending their stomping along in all the different shoes. The book is destined for story times and classrooms as well as homes.

Debut children’s author Emma Bowd delivers delicious rhyming fun in this timeless picture book tale, but, of course, like all good picture books, the text is only half the story. Award-winning illustrator Tania McCartney creates a whole world on the page in this book. She features kids from across the globe in settings far and wide, from cities to the farm, sunshine to snow. The illustrations also feature traditional shoes from around the world, giving a nod to the fact that shoes have history and important cultural significance.

There’s something really special about kids seeing their parents’ shoes and trying them on, and in Wonderful Shoes we’re invited into the beautiful connection between kids and our shoes. In oversized heels and mammoth comfy boots, all the kid characters discover not only the different experiences shoes can deliver, but also the gorgeous silly fun that can be seized when clomping around in giant shoes.

It’s reflective of reality (my daughter is often caught in my heels) but also a brilliant way to spark imagination and play. Put on those gumboots and be a farmer. Pull on those boots and play cities with your pals.

And McCartney’s details are just divine. She captures kid life AND parent life perfectly, infusing little family details that all add up to create an authentic world in paper form. Cups of steaming tea for Mum back from shopping, sandcastle flags made of sticks and drawing on the floor as only kids seem to want to do. I adore this special level of detail in a picture book.

A beautiful and fun rhyming read-aloud, Wonderful Shoes will inspire you to pull on a pair of shoes and play.

Title: Wonderful Shoes
Author: Emma Bowd
Illustrator: Tania McCartney
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, $25.99
Publication Date: May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922081988
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book