The Sock Thief

February 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-Felipe has a secret. On his morning walk to school in Brazil, he carefully exchanges juicy mangoes from his family's tree for his neighbors' drying socks. Many of the local animals are witnesses, including the rooster, who attempts to announce the disappearing socks with a swift "Cocorico!" Felipe continues his journey and begins to stuff each sock with used newspaper, twisting and tying the materials into a firm round object. The mystery isn't under wraps for long, as Felipe presents the handmade sock ball to his school friends. Inspired by her father's childhood recollections, Crespo presents a charming story that not only appeals to futebol, or soccer, fans but also to those who possess a creative spirit. She provides a glossary with Portuguese words and scatters a few Portuguese animal sounds throughout the text. Gonzalez paints with a boldness that gives life to the Brazilian setting, adding a little bounce to this futebol-themed picture book. VERDICT A lively celebration of futebol, culture, and ingenuity.-Claire Moore, Darien Library, CT

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2014
Young Felipe may be relatively poor, but he's rich in imagination when it comes to entertainment.Crespo's protagonist leaves his house early in the morning. He has a few stops to make before school. He must collect a handful of mangoes from the family tree, then borrow some of the neighborhood laundry-socks to be specific; Felipe has no socks of his own-while leaving a mango as a gesture of silent (albeit unagreed-upon) barter. He stuffs the socks with newspaper, twists them and tightens and adds maybe a few stitches, and voila: soccer balls, enough to keep many kids enrapt before and after school and during recess. Homeward, Felipe returns the socks to their owners-looking curiously clean-along with a little note of appreciation: "Obrigado pelas meias!" Thank you for the socks. (A short Portuguese glossary follows the story, along with an author's note.) Poverty in Brazil probably isn't as spotless as Gonzalez's artwork implies, but the feeling of intimacy and decency is welcome. Crespo's text has a mildly subversive touch-but in the service of the greater good, and it's clear by the end that the whole neighborhood believes in that greater good. Idyllic, and if anywhere needs an idyll, a Brazilian favela is a fine candidate. (Picture book. 4-8)

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