PUT YOUR SHOES ON

Peek inside the mind of a youngster given a seemingly simple task.

Josh, a tan-skinned tot with a mop of brown hair, is playing with toys. An adult has an all-too-familiar request: “Josh. JOSH. Josh, love. It’s time to put your shoes on.” The shoes, however, mere steps away, remain untouched. As the pleas continue, Josh’s imagination begins to soar. Squiggly, colorful confetti markings cue readers that something fantastical is beginning. The unseen adult continues to patiently explain, “We’re in a hurry because it’s Aunt Nelly’s BIRTHDAY PARTY.” Josh’s inner thoughts now show a smiling cake and delightfully misshapen stars. Josh imagines all the other party guests, equal parts scribbly and pointy (and wearing fabulous shoes), until—oh no—the request isn’t so patient anymore. A big blue monster yells: “JOSH! PUT. YOUR. SHOES. ON!” Josh, immediately ripped from the colorful wonderings, quickly complies. But after a quick hug, the confetti sparkles come back. An author’s note lovingly explains that the drawings for all the imaginative parts were created by Dunbar’s two sons, collected while they were growing up. The bright renderings infuse the work with joy even when Josh is scolded; with love and empathy, Dunbar captures both a child’s irrepressible imagination and a parent’s frustration. Readers will enjoy following the doings of a tiny caterpillar on each page.

A leaving-the-house battle that all can relate to.