Put Your Shoes on

In Polly Dunbar’s hands, a familiar—and very funny—tale of leaving-the-house stress takes on a singular charm with her young child’s drawings in the mix.

Josh and Mom are heading out to Aunty Nelly’s birthday party, and it's time for Josh to put on his shoes. But Josh is in his own little world, and the more Mom begs him to put his shoes on, the wilder his imagination becomes. Filled with humor and winsome illustrations, Polly Dunbar’s one-of-a-kind story—brilliantly showcasing her young son’s artwork as clues to what’s going on in Josh’s mind—speaks to the universal struggle around getting ready to leave the house, a scenario both children and caregivers can relate to.

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.
—Kirkus Reviews

Families with children ages 3-7 and parents who are sometimes impatient will find this perceptive, forgiving tale both a resource and a comfort.
—The Wall Street Journal