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choosekind68's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rkiladitis's review against another edition
5.0
Francis the Donkey is the best shoemaker in his village, using the finest materials to handcraft beautiful shoes. One day, he gets the most exciting news: his favorite calypso singer, Miss Manatee, is coming to sing in his village, and she wants him to create a special pair of new shoes just for her! He's so excited, but he's out of the special tiger grass that's integral to his shoe designs. He asks his friend and supplier, Nigel the Squirrel Monkey, to go into the jungle and get some more tiger grass, but when Monkey doesn't come back as expected, Francis has to go find him... will he get back to his village AND be able to make Miss Manatee's shoes on time?
I am a Sara Varon fan. I loved Sweater Weather, and my library kids adore Robot Dreams. I love her cartoony illustration, her bright colors, and in the case of New Shoes, the deeper messages found in her story. Francis is a genuinely kind character who is mortified when he discovers that his shoe materials have been acquired via shady means, and immediately sets to putting things right. When Francis realizes he has to make special accommodations for his newest client, he does the work, researching how to make the best footwear for Miss Manatee. Nigel is big enough to admit his mistakes, apologizes, and helps Francis grow his own materials responsibly. There are strong messages about fair trade and honesty, good business practices, sustainability, and consideration of others' differences to be found here, all told in a story that kids can understand without dumbing down the message. It's smart storytelling with a social conscience that respects the reader. What more can you ask from your books?
I can't wait to put New Shoes on my graphic novel shelves. It's got a little nonfiction snuck in, as Francis travels, with his guide book, through the South American jungle and encounters such inhabitants as the capybara, jaguar, and three-toed sloth; it's got a moral compass, a main character who loves calypso music, and it's just fun reading.
I am a Sara Varon fan. I loved Sweater Weather, and my library kids adore Robot Dreams. I love her cartoony illustration, her bright colors, and in the case of New Shoes, the deeper messages found in her story. Francis is a genuinely kind character who is mortified when he discovers that his shoe materials have been acquired via shady means, and immediately sets to putting things right. When Francis realizes he has to make special accommodations for his newest client, he does the work, researching how to make the best footwear for Miss Manatee. Nigel is big enough to admit his mistakes, apologizes, and helps Francis grow his own materials responsibly. There are strong messages about fair trade and honesty, good business practices, sustainability, and consideration of others' differences to be found here, all told in a story that kids can understand without dumbing down the message. It's smart storytelling with a social conscience that respects the reader. What more can you ask from your books?
I can't wait to put New Shoes on my graphic novel shelves. It's got a little nonfiction snuck in, as Francis travels, with his guide book, through the South American jungle and encounters such inhabitants as the capybara, jaguar, and three-toed sloth; it's got a moral compass, a main character who loves calypso music, and it's just fun reading.
helpfulsnowman's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite part is that a monkey can't help but do mischief. He doesn't really mean any harm, he's just a monkey doin' monkey shit.
Are cats basically the closest thing we can have to pet monkeys that won't possibly rip your face and genitals off while you're still alive? I think they probable are.
A cat named Monkey. That's the ticket to happiness. Plus, the cat doesn't seem interested in stealing my bananas. Which, honestly, isn't a problem. I only buy and eat bananas for health purposes, not because I like them. So if the bananas just disappeared and I assumed I'd eaten them and forgotten, that'd be a best-case scenario for me and bananas.
Are cats basically the closest thing we can have to pet monkeys that won't possibly rip your face and genitals off while you're still alive? I think they probable are.
A cat named Monkey. That's the ticket to happiness. Plus, the cat doesn't seem interested in stealing my bananas. Which, honestly, isn't a problem. I only buy and eat bananas for health purposes, not because I like them. So if the bananas just disappeared and I assumed I'd eaten them and forgotten, that'd be a best-case scenario for me and bananas.
hereisenough's review against another edition
3.0
Francis the shoemaker is on a mission, to make the best pair of shoes ever, for his favorite singer! Alas, Nigel the monkey, an essential supplier, is nowhere to be found! Francis must gather the courage to take on the jungle himself, in order to rescue Nigel, and craft the coolest shoes known to manatees.
A colorful comic about the jungle, teamwork, bravery, and accessibility, also reminding us that the things we wear connect us to other places and people.
A colorful comic about the jungle, teamwork, bravery, and accessibility, also reminding us that the things we wear connect us to other places and people.
turrean's review against another edition
4.0
Brightly colored and painless way to learn about the jungle habitat in Guyana. The author / illustrator cleverly creates a tale about fair trade, friendship, and creativity.
missmeganmann's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This was cute! I loved the story, I loved the adventure, I loved learning all sorts of new things. I thought it was a nice, happy ending and a reminder to step outside your comfort zone every now and again.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
Ahhh - I'm not even sure how to categorize this one - a hybrid graphic novel/chapter book??
A fun read - it does have some sophisticated vocabulary in it that makes it not quite an early reader. But it will appeal to readers who are looking for something longer, but still need some picture supports.
A fun read - it does have some sophisticated vocabulary in it that makes it not quite an early reader. But it will appeal to readers who are looking for something longer, but still need some picture supports.
heykellyjensen's review against another edition
Sara Varon never disappoints and this might be my favorite of her recent books. The book follows Francis, a donkey who makes shoes, as he tries to locate his friend and supplier after he's gone missing while collecting grass (for the shoes, natch.). Along the way, we see the sights, sounds, and creatures inhabiting the jungle.
When Francis discovers that his supplier has been stealing from private property, things get a little tricky.
Varon captures nature and ethics, while also delivering a graphic novel that's sweet, never preachy, and downright fun. Francis is making shoes for a manatee, who happens to be a famous calypso singer.
When Francis discovers that his supplier has been stealing from private property, things get a little tricky.
Varon captures nature and ethics, while also delivering a graphic novel that's sweet, never preachy, and downright fun. Francis is making shoes for a manatee, who happens to be a famous calypso singer.
corncobwebs's review against another edition
A donkey cobbler (!) goes on a quest to rescue his thieving monkey friend.