Shoes from Grandpa

A cumulative tale is one of those fun stories that builds on itself, one element at a time - like, as other commenters noted, "The House that Jack Built". In this case, every member of the family runs to get a girl another article of clothing to "Go with the shoes from grandpa", until eventually she asks them nicely if they can just get her a pair of jeans instead. The only trouble I have with this book (and it's minor, really), is that it's written with Australian English in mind. Which means that to my American voice, some of the rhymes (laugh and scarf; blouse and "ribons and bows") just don't work, and it messes up the flow. If it weren't for that quibble, I wouldn't have a problem at all. The book rocks.

When Grandpa buys Jesse a new pair of shoes other family members begin to buy other clothing items to go with them. The verse is reminicent of The House that Jack Built (Picture Puffins), it has lovely water colored illustrations, and is just a nice feel good story, suitable for preschoolers. Ultimatey Jesse is happy about her family's kind gifts, but there is something else that she needs, but she doesn't wish to be rude.

This is a good story because it shows the love a family has for their child as she grows up. I recommend this book for all ages, because it was very funny and heartwarming...

... in the same manner as "The House That Jack Built." Great fun to read aloud. Grandpa kicks off the plot by buying Jesse a pair of shoes, which of course, need a pair of socks to go with them...and soon the whole extended family is pitching in to buy something "to go with the shoes from Grandpa." Nice, warm illustrations and the rollicking text combine to make a very pleasant reading experience. Enjoy!