Sonderbooks

Sonderbooks Book Review of

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?

by Eve Bunting

illustrated by Serge Ruzzier


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Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?

by Eve Bunting
illustrated by Serge Ruzzier

Review posted August 1, 2013.
Clarion Books, 2013. 32 pages.

I'm afraid I tend to cringe with most rhyming picture books. But here's one that's done well, with just a touch of tongue twister. Add to that a charming and recognizable situation, and you've got a winner.

Here's a page toward the end:

"Peacocks? Have you seen my socks?
I did not put them in my box.
I asked my good friend Mr. Fox.
I asked my good friend Mr. Ox.
Peacocks? Have you seen my socks?
They are such a pretty blue!
I just got them. They are new."

I recently used this book at a Baby Storytime where I was focusing on Phonological Awareness. I'm sure the babies didn't understand the situation, but they could enjoy the rhymes. At the same time, the parents gave a chuckle of delight when it became apparent that the duck was wearing his new blue socks all along.

Now, I admit that the rhymes aren't quite up to a Dr. Seuss level. But they aren't bad, and the story makes for a delightful book good for reading aloud or for independent readers to tackle on their own.