Those Shoes: A Fun And Inspiring Story By Maribeth Boelts

“Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts is a heartwarming story about finding the courage to accept yourself for who you are. This book is perfect for children ages 4-8 who could use a reminder that being different isn’t bad, it’s just different.

The story follows Jeremy, a young boy who desperately wants a pair of shoes he saw in the store window. He knows that if he has those shoes, he will fit in and be accepted by his peers. But when Jeremy’s mother explains why he can’t have them, Jeremy learns an important lesson about appreciating what he already has and being true to himself.

With its vivid illustrations, colorful characters and simple but profound message, “Those Shoes” is sure to become a favorite among young readers and parents alike. From teaching children how to be content with what they have to encouraging self-acceptance and embracing diversity, this book offers something meaningful for everyone.

Table of Contents

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts Review

Those Shoes – An Endearing Story of Sharing and Kindness

Meet Jeremy, a young boy who desperately wants the pair of shoes he sees in the store window. Despite his mother’s strong disapproval, Jeremy decides to try and save up enough money to buy the shoes himself. With help from family, friends and even some unexpected strangers, Jeremy learns an important lesson about sharing and kindness. Those Shoes, written by Maribeth Boelts, is an endearing story that teaches children about the power of giving.

Key Features:

1) Simple but effective illustrations: Vibrant illustrations by Noah Z Jones bring this simple story to life.

2) Uplifting theme: The heart-warming themes of selflessness, generosity and friendship are sure to leave a lasting impression on your child.

3) Ideal for ages 4-8 : Those Shoes is perfect for children aged 4-8 and can be used as a great starting point for discussions on kindness and empathy.

This book contains powerful messages that will stay with readers long after they’ve put the book down. Through Jeremy’s journey we learn that it’s better to give than receive; that true friendship is more valuable than material things; and that sometimes help comes from the most unexpected places. Whether you’re looking for a read-aloud book or something to spark a conversation between parent and child, Those Shoes is definitely worth checking out!

Product Details

Product Name	Author	Publisher
Those Shoes	Maribeth Boelts	Candlewick Press
Description
Jeremy desperately wants a pair of shoes just like the ones thathis classmate is wearing. Buthis family cannot afford them. Then one day he notices an advertisement for “those shoes” — and he hatches a plan.
Format/Binding		Publication Date
Hardcover		September 1, 2004
Age Range
4 – 8 years
Dimensions		Language
10 x 0.6 x 10 inches	Weight: 9.4 ounces	English

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
Those Shoes is an inspiring picture book by Maribeth Boelts that follows the story of a young boy and his quest to buy a new pair of shoes. It teaches children valuable lessons about understanding the value of money, appreciating what you have, and helping those in need. The illustrations are bright and engaging, which helps children to better understand the storyline. The use of dialogue between characters also helps to further emphasize important themes throughout the book.

2. Cons:
Although Those Shoes is an overall enjoyable book for children, some parents may find that it does not cover enough ground when it comes to discussing financial responsibility. In addition, some of the language used in the book may be too difficult for younger readers to comprehend.

Who are They for

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is a must-read for every child. It’s an award-winning story about a young boy named Jeremy who longs for a pair of shoes just like the ones he sees in the store, but his family can’t afford them. When he finally gets the shoes, they are too big and he can’t wear them. With help from an unexpected source, Jeremy learns that what really matters most is not the shoes you wear, but how you treat others. This heartwarming book has been praised for its message of love, generosity, and respect and has won multiple awards, including the International Reading Association Children’s Book Award, the Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award, and the Christopher Award. A great read for kids of all ages!

My Experience for Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

My daughter has been begging for a new pair of shoes ever since the school year started. She saw the most fashionable shoes in the store window and just had to have them. We both knew that I couldn’t afford them, so she was devastated. That’s when I read Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts with her.

It’s about a young boy named Jeremy who really wants a pair of flashy sneakers, but his family can’t afford them. His grandma encourages him to be content with what he does have and teaches him about the true meaning of contentment.

The story resonated with my daughter and I could tell she felt better after reading it. She wasn’t envious any more, she was content with what we had and that’s all that mattered.

I’m so glad I read Those Shoes to her! It taught us both an important lesson about gratitude and living within our means.

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages

1. Unclear moral lesson: The book does not provide a clear moral lesson or resolution to the story, leaving readers feeling unsatisfied.
2. Lack of character development: The main characters in the book are flat and lack depth, making it difficult for young readers to relate to them.
3. Repetitive language: The language used in the book is repetitive and can become tedious for some readers.
4. Not suitable for younger readers: The content of the book may be too mature for younger children and may not be appropriate for them.

How to Teach Your Child to Be Compassionate with Those Shoes

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is a heartwarming tale of compassion and understanding. Through this book, children can learn the value of being kind and generous to those who don’t have as much as they do. By reading this story together, parents can help their child develop empathy and understand that not everyone has the same opportunities in life.

First, have your child read or listen to the story. Discuss what they learned while they read or after they finished listening. Talk about how it feels when someone is not as fortunate as us, and how we can help those in need. Ask them questions about the characters, such as why Jeremy wanted shoes so badly and how his feelings changed once he received them.

Next, talk about ways your family can be generous. Brainstorm ideas for donating gently used items like clothes, books, toys, and more to charity. Discuss how small actions like these can make a big difference in someone else’s life. Explain that there are many people in our community who don’t have enough food or clothing, and that we can help by donating things we no longer need.

Finally, find a local charity or organization where you can donate goods. Help your child pick out items from around the house that they want to give away and plan a day to drop off donations. You could also volunteer together at a food pantry or soup kitchen if your child is old enough.

By using Maribeth Boelts’ Those Shoes as an example, you and your child can learn valuable lessons about giving back to others in need. Together, you’ll spread kindness and show compassion for those who are less fortunate than us.

Questions about Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

What is the theme of Those Shoes?

The theme of Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is acceptance, generosity, and friendship. The story follows Jeremy, a young boy who desperately wants a pair of shoes that all the other kids in his school have. When he finally gets them, he finds out that there are others who have even greater needs than he does.

Is Those Shoes suitable for children?

Yes! Those Shoes is perfect for children ages 4-8. The story is easy to understand, has beautiful illustrations, and helps kids learn important lessons about friendship, generosity, and acceptance.

What kind of reviews does Those Shoes get?

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts has received rave reviews from parents, teachers, and librarians alike. It has been praised for its simple yet powerful message about friendship and generosity. It’s also been commended for portraying realistic characters that young readers can relate to.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.