Children's Book Review: Shoebox Sam by Mary Brigid Barrett

ISBN: 0310715490
ISBN-13: 9780310715498
Ages: 4-7
Pages 32
Format: Hardcover, Jacketed
List Price: $15.99 (USD) 

Available July 2011 through Zondervan

Summary:


The pink slippers on the wall catch her eye. “Those are the most beautiful shoes I’ve seen in all my life.”

Down at the corner of Magnolia and Vine, you’ll find the shop of Shoebox Sam--where old shoes become like new again and anyone in need finds a friend. Delia and Jessie spend Saturdays with Shoebox Sam, helping him with customers, rich and poor. They learn about giving and caring, loving and sharing. Then one day, when a customer notices a prized pair of shoes, they uncover their greatest lesson of all.
My Review:

Shoebox Sam does a wonderful job in conveying the importance of loving and respecting one another. This is seen when Shoebox Sam gives away his most prized possession, the pink slippers form a famous ballerina on the wall, to a customer.  Day in and day out, customers come through Shoebox Sam's store and he treats them all with kindness and respect, no matter what their social and economical level.  Shoebox Sam doesn't see a person being rich or poor, but just as a customer and treats everyone equally.

I just loved the illustrations done by nationally known illustrator, Frank Morrision.  His detail to each illustration brings the story to life.  When selecting books for my daughter, I am always on the look out for books that have beautiful pictures, as those are the ones that catch her eye.  And, this book is up there in regards to wonderfully done illustrations.

If you love to share inspirational and books that offer spiritual growth with your children, then you should read them Shoebox Sam.  

About the Author:

Mary Brigid Barrett is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. She is also president and executive director of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, and editor of the NCBLA publication Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. She lives in Massachusetts.

About the Illustrator:

Frank Morrison is a nationally acclaimed artist who received a 2010 Image Award. He is also the Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator of Jazzy Miz Mozetta by Brenda C. Roberts. Morrison lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his family. For additional information visit his website: www.morrisongraphics.com.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book from Zondervan in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.