Shoebox Sam

June 15, 2011

All those who labor and are footsore, find relief with Shoebox Sam.

Young Jesse and Delia follow their Saturday routine assisting Shoebox Sam, a generous shoe repairman who provides footwear for those less fortunate. The children tidy his shop while seeking information from the elusive shopkeeper. Just what is the history surrounding the beautiful dance slippers he lovingly displays? The business-turned–charitable establishment, located "on the corner of Magnolia and Vine," has an old-timey feel, but Morrison keeps specific indicators of place and time out of his illustrations. Shoebox Sam models the golden rule to all who enter his doors. His young assistants occasionally falter, rudely pointing out the doughnuts consumed or the extra clothes carried by the disadvantaged. He gently rebukes them with gentle directness. "When you're hungry, you eat.... When you're cold, you cover up." Light in characterization, the message-driven tale builds to its inspirational though rather inscrutable climax. Jesse's narration reveals his respect for his beloved mentor. "He shines old shoes and builds new soles. He shines them up fine." Creamy tones spread nostalgic warmth within soft-edged designs, though sometimes this softness results in a lack of clarity in characters' expressions. Elongated African-American figures move against the backdrop of shoes and mahogany shelving in a pleasing visual dance.

A heartfelt exercise in morality with occasional stumbles along the way. (Picture book. 4-8)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

August 1, 2011

K-Gr 3-Jesse and Delia spend Saturdays helping out at Shoebox Sam's shoe repair shop. The owner, an affable grandfatherly African American, cuts a dapper figure in his gray suit, bow tie, and hat tilted at an angle. The children are waiting for him when he arrives at the shop holding a bag of cinnamon crullers and fresh bread. As customers arrive, they are treated to a cup of coffee and some small talk. When a disheveled man enters the store, Shoebox Sam says, "Come in, sir. Sit right down. Children, get this gentleman a cup of coffee while he waits." Delia's expression is decidedly worried when the man devours two doughnuts. He takes one more and drinks all the cream, and then eats yet another doughnut. When Delia tells Sam, he replies, "When you're hungry, you eat." By the time he leaves, he has a new pair of shoes and a complimentary pair of socks. Customers come and go throughout the day, including a woman wearing several layers of clothes. When Delia mentions, "She is wearin' at least five different dresses and four sweaters," Sam tells her, "When you're cold, you cover up." The woman is treated to hot coffee, sandwiches, and a new pair of shoes. Morrison's distinctive illustrations and use of warm colors to depict elongated figures with wonderfully expressive faces spill across the spreads. Shoebox Sam is subtle yet effective in demonstrating compassion and the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect.-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
Grades 1-3 Making money isn't the only way to become rich, as two children learn from the proprietor of a small shoe-repair shop in their neighborhood. In the morning, Jesse and his little sister, Delia (plainly regulars), greet dapper Sam at the door to his shop and stay to help him box up newly refurbished footwear, serve coffee to customers, and learn from the respectful way he treats a weary, raggedly dressed man (And, Delia, isn't this the week we're givin' away complimentary socks?), then offers a homeless woman sandwichesand a pair of prized ballet slippers she admires. Even in quieter poses, Morrison's bright-eyed, rubber-limbed figures look like they are dancing, and they perfectly reflect the lively sounds and rhythms of Barrett's language: Shoebox Sam lives atop his shop on the corner of Magnolia and Vine. He shines old shoes and builds new soles. He shines them up fine. Faces shine up from these pages, too, as does the genuine value of kindness and generosity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)