Those Shoes

Those Shoes is a picture book written by, Maribeth Boelts, and illustrated by, Noah Jones in 2009. This book is intended for children ages 5 to 8 years old. This thought-provoking book is about a boy named, Jeremy. Jeremy, just like many children of today wanted some shoes that “everyone” was wearing but he couldn’t afford them. Jeremy’s grandmother doesn’t give in to his “wants”. She tries to teach him the difference between “want” and “need”. This book is full of emotions as Jeremy is embarrassed when his shoes fall apart at school. In the end Jeremy learns an important message about sharing. This is one of my favorite books on this project because it teaches children to appreciate what they have and shows a message of sharing. This book is excellent for the classroom setting as well as at home; especially in today’s society where expensive shoes are important some children.

 

The illustrations give the appearance of paintings on each page. The illustrations are easy for children to comprehend and they enhance the storyline. The illustrator was able to place emphasis on the importance of the shoes by giving most of the children the same black and white high top shoes. Some of the colors used in the book are of warm fall like colors but some of the colors were bold to show emotions.

 

Discussion questions:

Have you ever had something that you wanted badly?

After reading the story, what is the difference between want and need?

Do you think that Jeremy’s grandmother was right in not buying those expensive shoes for him?

Did Jeremy finally understand the importance of appreciating what he had?

Do you share with those in need?

 

Sharing Activity (Show and Tell):

Encourage students to bring objects into the classroom for Show and Tell. After they finish describing their objects, ask them to pass the object around to the rest of the students. The object should travel in a circle. Make sure that students do not harm the object or hold onto it for too long. When all of the objects are returned to the original owner, point out that they each shared their objects with their classmates. Ask the students how they felt when they shared their objects with others, as well as how the Show and Tell would have been different if they had not been able to see and hold the objects that their classmates brought in.

 

Other Books by Author:

Sleepy Bootsie

Before You Were Mine

The PS Brothers

Looking for Sleepy

Happy Like Soccer

 

Resources:

Boelts, Maribeth. (2009). Those Shoes. Candlewick Publisher