PICTURE BOOK REVIEW : Loops by Jashar Awan
ABOUT THE BOOK
This big kid is wearing his first pair of big-kid shoes, the kind with laces! Even though they’re a little on the roomy side—shoes to grow into, of course—he knows he can take care of them. Except they keep falling off!
Not to worry, he’ll just tie them up again, because he knows how to tie those loops! But wait a second, where did that darn shoe go?
Nothing is ever truly easy when you’re just starting something new; but, just like with any stage in childhood, whether it’s making your first steps, or going down the really big slide, with persistence, doing anything scary or overwhelming quickly becomes a piece of cake! And before you know it, you’re a BIG KID!
REVIEW
A young boy runs across the end papers looking for his missing shoe. As he puts on and ties his shoe he explains how having big kid shoes means he needs to be big kid. But the shoes are too big and he keeps 'running right out of them'. He shows readers how he learned to tie his shoes but has to stop and try again. He's quite right when he says, "It doesn't happen all at once. It takes a lot of practice." He shows the reader how he learned to swing without needing a push (although he falls after jumping out of the swing). He demonstrates how he learned to overcome his fear of the slide before realizing that he has once again, lost his show. He runs around the playground looking for it before realizing where he left it, leading readers back to the beginning of the book for what should prove to be multiple re-readings. This delightful book is so relatable for kids and adults, really, anyone who's had to practice a skill over and over to get better at it. The little boy's enthusiasm balances out his persistence as he points out the need to keep trying. Not only is the book a powerful reminder of the need for persistence and effort, but will undoubtedly inspire young listeners to share their own experiences learning new things. (Teachers and Parents, be prepared for young listeners/readers to demonstrate their own skills as well as tell their own stories about becoming a big kid.) Awan's digitally created illustrations are so appealing and will lead many kids to want to pick up the book. A winning book all around! Highly recommended.
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