Sonderbooks Book Review of

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?

by Eve Bunting

illustrated by Serge Ruzzier

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.