Expressing Oneself

Karen Beaumont

 Don't judge this board book by its cover! At first glance, the sparkly Shoe-la-la! by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, might seem to reinforce pink-is-for-girls stereotypes and materialistic wishing. On the contrary! The four young friends in this rhyming caper go into a store searching for footwear and come out with a plethora of ideas rather than shoeboxes.

LeUyen Pham

As with all classic dress-up play, the shoes make the costume and the girls take their parts. But it does not turn out the way young children might at first predict. Adults will sympathize with the overworked shoestore salesman, but children will see that the girls just want to have fun. And when they get home, their resourcefulness and creativity make their outfits smash hits. Each of them creates a unique look to suit her personality.