Because of a Shoe
by Julie Fogliano & Marla Frazee
Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. 32 pages.
Review written February 20, 2026, from a library book.
Starred Review
Ahhhh! This book reminds me tremendously of one of my favorite picture books from when my own kids were young – and I think the book where I discovered that I love Marla Frazee’s illustrations – Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild, by Mem Fox, illustrated by Marla Frazee.
Both books feature a similar situation – a mother and a sweet, funny toddler – and the mother eventually losing it. But both books, of course, end with that deep love and connection – despite those moments anyone who’s ever lived with a toddler will relate to.
Julie Fogliano is a poet. So Because of a Shoe is a long poem about a toddler faced with the horror of putting on their shoes when it’s past time to get out the door. And of course the illustrations show the full drama of the situation.
even when. . .
because of a shoe
(a too-tight shoe
a too-loose shoe)
you are screaming
and you don’t want to be screaming
but you just can’t stop screamingand even when
you are on the floor
and you are flopping
and you don’t want to be flopping
but you just can’t stop being on the floor
and flopping
The pictures change to black and white when things get to imaginary scenarios.
and even when
you are never getting up from the floorand you will live on the floor
and you will
eat your dinner
on the floorand you will
go to school
on the floorand you will grow up
and go to work at an office
on the floor
[There’s more, but you get the idea]
I love all the emotions expressed about the shoe – and then the mother starts reacting.
and even when
i am loud and i am yelling
and i don’t want to be loud and yelling
but i just can’t stop being loud and yelling
because we are leaving
and we are late
and everyone is waiting
and you love those shoes
they are your best shoes
they are your red shoes
they are your favorite red shoes
I think that’s the part that really got me. Yes, we’ve all known a toddler to turn on their favorite things and it doesn’t make any sense and what’s a mother to do?
But yes, it comes to a beautiful resolution. (This is just the beginning of it.)
even then
you are still you
(funny sweet you)
and i am still me
(funny sweet me)
and we are not a shoe
(not the tightest shoe
or the loosest shoe)
And gosh, the loving harmony at the end simply fills me with all the feels.
So, yes, this is for every funny sweet parent who’s ever had a funny sweet toddler in their home – even though they might lose it at times.
Is it actually for the child? I think such a clear depiction of a fraught situation can only shine light on what’s important – how much we love each other no matter what.
juliefogliano.com
marlafrazee.com
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Picture_Books/because_of_a_shoe.html
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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
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