Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this funny, ingenious take on the meaning of friendship, Vail (Sometimes I'm Bombaloo) and Cordell (Toby and the Snowflakes) muse upon the way that two very different feet manage to get along-a good thing, since they belong to the same person (seen only from the waist down). Lefty likes lingering under the blankets and wearing only galoshes, while Righty, an early bird, revels in all the possible shoe choices and secretly wonders what it be like to take a beach vacation without Lefty. Vail's deadpan prose evinces a sly comic mind and a wonderfully ticklish system of logic: "Outside, Righty and Lefty race. Sometimes, Righty wins. Sometimes, Lefty wins. It is always close." Cordell's watercolor and ink cartoons prove he's up to the challenge of focusing on two characters who can express their emotions only through their toes-and the occasional thought balloon. For making kids laugh, this one's a shoe-in. Ages 3-5. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-A slight story about two busy appendages. Though they have different likes and dislikes, Righty and Lefty (the latter has an ever-present, identifying bandage) recognize the need to cooperate. The feet belong to the same person (who is never shown in full), but are complete opposites. Righty likes to wear different types of shoes, but Lefty's first choice is always the green galoshes. At times, the odd couple cause one another grief-as when one or the other crosses the finish line first-and Righty dreams of being on vacation alone. Just like siblings, though, they rely on each other for fun, and for keeping warm at night. Large expanses of white space showcase the humorous pen-and-ink and pastel watercolors. While one foot is active and adventurous, and the other is satisfied with the status quo, the two really are best friends and incomplete without their mirror image. The third-person narrative lacks tension and a substantial plot, thereby limiting its child appeal.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Bad enough that Lefty wants to live a life enveloped in galoshes, but does he have to be so neurotic? Yes, when you're a pair of feet, you're pretty much stuck with the personality of the appendage beside you. Lefty, distinguishable (aside from his arch) by his personality-appropriate Band-Aid, is happiest when he's safe and dry. His general attitude? "Life is a blister." Righty, in contrast, is an adventurous sort. He loves grown-up shoes, beaches and running about. Can two such different footsies ever find a way to get along? Certainly. They may not be the same, but Lefty and Righty have a relationship that can survive everything from boo-boos to falling asleep. A truly unique method of discussing relationships, Vail's feet are a step above the rest. Cordell's understated watercolors help by lending the tale a soft, humorous tone. Consider this a love story that every man, woman, child and podiatrist can enjoy. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
