One Shoe Two Shoes

April 29, 2019
An ode to shoes and counting gets a playful twist with the introduction of some mischievous mice in this cheerful concept book by the makers of Big Box Little Box. The adventure begins with Seussian rhymes (“One shoe/ Two shoes/ Red shoes/ Blue shoes”) as a dog accompanies its owner for a walk. But the narrative shifts with the appearance of a slim pink tail curling up from a pair of striped flats—a family of mice occupies a series of shoes. In bold cut-out graphics and bright colors, Underwood’s pencil, ink, and digital-collage illustrations go on to depict inquisitive mice in all different footwear—a clog, a pink striped boot, plaid slippers—while the dog, now napping with one eye open, half keeps watch as the count multiplies from one to 10 (though a few gray mice seem left out of the accounting, which may confuse readers). An open shoebox becomes a slide and another becomes a place to hide until the dog, alerted by a “scritchy-scratchy” sound, investigates. After the mice scatter, the hound heads out on another walk. And for the shoe-loving mice? A frolicsome spin on some roller skates awaits. A colorful exploration of colors, numbers, and footwear. Ages 3–6.

Starred review from May 1, 2019
A playful pup, 10 mischievous mice, and some fashionable footwear unite in this seemingly simple counting book. Hart pays homage to One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish with clever rhyming text that channels the classic on its opening spreads. But in lieu of fish are shoes as seen from a dog's-eye view as footwear of varying styles, shades, and purpose step past the frolicking pup on its walk. Home again, canine curiosity is piqued as mice scramble and scurry, one by one, to occupy the various shoes. Onomatopoeia offers clues as to the mice's whereabouts, and readers will delight in the floppy-eared dog's search for them. With one lick it scatters the plump white rodents before heading out on another walk. While the nonlinear text begs to be read aloud, it's Underwood's skillful compositions and expressive characters that propel the sequencing of events, bringing the tale full circle. Done in pencil and marker with paper and digital collage, the graphically simplified shapes showcase the artist's ability to execute form and design. Reminiscent of M. Sasek, Mary Blair, and other artists influenced by post-World War II optimism, Underwood's nostalgic interpretation of modern living channels a visual style associated with feelings of opportunity and prosperity, appealing to readers of all ages. A must-read-aloud text with memorable characters--Underwood and Hart make a perfect pair. (Picture book. 3-6)

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August 2, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-A rhyming celebration of footwear meshes with views of a curious hound and 10 wily white mice who hide in everything from rain boots to clogs, even a shoe box, until executing their grand escape on a pair of roller skates. Hart's text reinforces colors and counting, and Underwood's humor twinkles with his comic dog's expressions. VERDICT Great for storytimes due to the large format and charming folk-art drawings in pencil and ink with computer assisted collage. Also an excellent choice for newly independent readers.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

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