Flock of Shoes

Description

Abby loves her pink and brown sandals with the lime green trim, and she wears them wherever she goes. But as summer draws to a close, Abby's mom announces that it's time for the sandals to go. Abby is determined to keep them on-until one day, while swinging at the park, her sandals flip off and fly away. All winter long, Abby wonders what her sandals are up to. Postcards of sandy white beaches and glorious sunsets reassure her that they are having a wonderful time in far away places. Come February, Abby realizes that she has also grown to love her cozy, comfy boots. As the warm weather comes, she watches sadly as they march off, but a swish in the sky announces the return of her pink and brown sandals-all ready for another summer of fun. Full of whimsy, this circular tale is enhanced by rich, evocative language and delicate pastel illustrations that are sure to delight any young child.

Sarah Tsiang's work has appeared in numerous literary journals. She lives in Kingston, Ontario, where she teaches college and enrichment students. Qin Leng is an award-winning animator and illustrator. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Front Yard Gardens is a nicely detailed book with beautiful photographs, full of great ideas for people looking not only to replace lawn with gardens, but to improve existing gardens.--Tom Torrance"Washington Gardener" (09/01/2010) The grass may always be greener on the other side of the fence, but the beautiful layouts presented in this book may just persuade you to do away with the front lawn altogether. First published in 2003 and updated in 2010 it offers a new perspective on the front yard, an often-under-used landscape. Ideas include on the cottage garden, Texas-style, English gardens and more.--Paul Eisenberg"MetroWest Daily News (Boston)" (03/13/2011) This is a fun and engaging story, touched with humour and a lot of magic.--Ken Kilback"Canadian Children's Book News" (04/01/2011) OLA Best Bets for Children 2010. Abby's sandals are pink and brown with lime green trim. They are perfect for running and jumping and making tracks in the sand. But when summer is over Mum says they are worn out and it's time for them to go. Abby disagrees but the sandals take matters into their own hands, flying away to the south like birds. Soon unhappy Abby learns to love her blue and white boots with purple trim. Until one sunny spring day... Young readers will delight in this nonsensical story about Abby and her faithful footwear. Tsiang's text is a delight to read, with a gentle poetic rhythm. Highly recommended. This amusing tale that finally explains where shoes go in the off season is great fun. Sarah Tsiang does a wonderful job depicting just how connected a child can be with a piece of clothing and Quin Leng's watercolour illustrations compliment the warmth of the story. The story of summer shoes needing to go away somewhere warm is a delightful way to look at seasonal items. We all found this story...adorable. [It] is an endearing read for any child 2-6. This whimsical tale is sure to beguile anyone who has ever outgrown a much-loved pair of shoes. The art is wonderful...and the text is amazingly and beautifully poetic. This is possibly the first picture book on shoe migration, an idea that imaginative children will find nearly believable and wholly satisfying. Tsiang's simple yet evocative language will engage young listeners... Leng's depiction of Abby's world...is magical. This whimsical story filled with charming watercolors will warm the hearts of small children while teaching them a valuable lesson. We all found this story...adorable. [It] is an endearing read for any child 2-6. What happens to sandals during winter? In Abby's case, her favorite pink and brown flip flops fly right off of her feet and join a flock of migrating birds heading for warmer climates. While her sandals send her postcards of sandy beaches and palm trees from far off places -- writing that "we miss you to the bottom of our soles" -- Abby learns to love stomping through the snow in her fuzzy purple and blue boots. But, when spring comes again, Abby's boots hop aboard the Northbound Express as her favourite sandals fall from the sky, ready for another summer of fun. Sarah Tsiang's text is both whimsical and minimalist, perfectly punctuated by Qin Leng's watercolor illustrations. This imaginative, circular story is not only fun and easily relatable for children between ages two and seven, but a pleasure for parents as well.--Caitlin Bakker"L'Association des bibliothecaires du Que" (01/01/2011) Full of great ideas for people looking not only to replace lawn with gardens, but to improve existing gardens.--Tom Torrance"Washington Gardener" (09/01/2010) Imaginative... fun and easily relatable for children between ages two and seven, but a pleasure for parents as well.--Caitlin Bakker"L'Association des bibliothecaires du Quebec" (01/01/2011) The beautiful layouts presented in this book may just persuade you to do away with the front lawn altogether.--Paul Eisenberg"MetroWest Daily News (Boston)" (03/13/2011)