STEP INTO MY SHOES

A French child learns about empathy by trying on other people's shoes and imagining what their lives are like. Brown-skinned Matou walks to school alone every day now that Mom works in Paris. One Friday, school lets out early, and while heading home, Matou notices different kinds of shoes lined up outside the mosque, including a pair of pristine white and orange athletic shoes--almost Matou's size! The child can't resist trying them on. Later, after returning the shoes, Matou sees their owner, a well-dressed boy, getting into a sleek car. Maybe he doesn't walk much, Matou thinks. Each week Matou tries on new shoes and ponders their owners' circumstances until one Friday, Matou runs straight home--the child is planning to spend the afternoon with Mom! Excitement turns to anger when Mom gets home late. Now Matou must try to step into Mom's shoes and consider her perspective. Halikia effectively sets up the story's central conflict by showing Matou characterizing the shoes' owners based on their footwear and trying to understand their points of view. Tikkou's blend of digitally rendered illustrations and photographs creates visual interest and a touch of whimsy with an earth-toned palette and splashes of bright color. A sweet tale grounded in teaching compassion and seeing the world from other perspectives.(Picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.