A. Bibliography
Fox, Mem. 1989. Shoes From Grandpa. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN0-531-05848-4
B. Plot Summary
It is late summer and Jessie's Grandpa has come for a barbeque. Astonished at how much Jessie has grown since the last time he saw her; he declares she will need new winter shoes that he will happily buy for her. So begins the purchase of a whole new wardrobe for Jessie; "socks from the local shops" from her dad, "a skirt that won't show the dirt" from her mom, even "mittens that are softer than kittens" from her uncle. Jessie loves them all and hates "to be mean" but what she really wants someone to buy her are "some jeans" which Grandpa obligingly adds to the mix.
Fox, Mem. 1989. Shoes From Grandpa. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN0-531-05848-4
B. Plot Summary
It is late summer and Jessie's Grandpa has come for a barbeque. Astonished at how much Jessie has grown since the last time he saw her; he declares she will need new winter shoes that he will happily buy for her. So begins the purchase of a whole new wardrobe for Jessie; "socks from the local shops" from her dad, "a skirt that won't show the dirt" from her mom, even "mittens that are softer than kittens" from her uncle. Jessie loves them all and hates "to be mean" but what she really wants someone to buy her are "some jeans" which Grandpa obligingly adds to the mix.
C. Critical Analysis
The combination of Mem Fox's funny, rhyming, narrative and Patricia Mullins' torn-paper collage illustrations depicting Jessie's increasingly outrageous wardrobe additions, courtesy of her friends and family, will keep preschoolers engaged and laughing as Jessie deals with the univeral problem of what to do about unsuitable gifts. Originally published in Australia, Shoes From Grandpa could be set almost anywhere English is spoken. However, the author's use of the term shops rather than stores indicates the setting is outside the U.S. The author suggests reading Shoes From Grandpa with an Australian accent and pronouncing 'laugh' as 'larf' to make the most of the rhyming narrative.
D. Review excerpts
Publishers Weekly: "A lilting, cumulative text accompanies Mullins's vibrant torn-paper artwork in this apparel-buying spree. Ages 3-6."
School Library Journal: "PreSchool-Grade 2-- Jessie, an active girl of nine or so, is growing out of her clothes, and the members of her large and loving family get carried away in their eagerness to provide her with a new wardrobe. In this humorous suburban variation on "The House that Jack Built," Grandpa gets things started off with a pair of new shoes, Dad offers "socks from the local shops," and Mom buys "a skirt that won't show the dirt." As each of Jessie's relatives gets into the act, the rhythmic cumulative tale builds momentum. Brightly colored torn-paper collages fill appealing double-page illustrations portraying Jessie increasingly laden down with everyone else's idea of the perfect addition to her outfit. Either in story hour or reading on their own, youngsters will enjoy seeing Jessie's free spirit triumph over her family's overly enthusiastic good intentions."
E. Connections
Books for use in storytime with Shoes From Grandpa:
Grandpa's Teeth by Rod Clement
Ain't Nobody A Stranger to Me by Ann Grifalconi
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