A lighthearted, cheerful, and upbeat story that parents will enjoy as much as kids.
“Charlene was searching for a new pair of shoes. But not just any shoes…” And so the great hunt begins! Charlene Stiletto loves shoes as much as her aptronymic name suggests and she is on a mission to find the perfect pair. After spending months perusing fashion magazines and her local shops, she embarks on a “sole-searching” adventure to find that one, head-turning pair. She packs her colorful wigs, ties up the laces on her snazzy roller skates, and jets off with her enthusiastic dog, Boots. Together, they take in the sights, sounds, and footwear from all over the world. Charlene even gets to visit the home country of Lewis Carroll, a stop that is meaningful for this enthusiastic Alice fan. Though the most beautiful shoes seem to elude her, Charlene tirelessly tries on hundreds of different pairs, enjoys delicious food everywhere she goes, and even makes friends with some sophisticated pirates along the way, never giving up on her search. Her persistence pays off in the end, and the reward is better than any pair of sandals, sling-backs, or slippers.
Fashionistas and adventurers of all ages will delight in the antics of an ambitious red-wigged girl in Charlene Stiletto and Her Search for a Fabulous Pair of Shoes. Besides footwear, Melanie Farrar shines a spotlight on beloved destinations, both real and imagined, offering kids an opportunity to see the world through cosmopolitan lenses. Small bits of local culture are woven throughout the story, nurturing wanderlust in even the youngest readers. Farrar’s artwork is absolutely fabulous, affording classy Charlene a front-row seat to every possible type of gorgeous shoe that is on display. From London to Japan, the whimsical watercolor scenes will keep children engaged and entertained. These images are vibrant and give the impression of constant movement, especially the page that features Charlene in Brazil. There, from a buoyant paddleboard perch at Copacabana beach, she admires the cleats worn by a group of athletes. This illustration drops a wonderful seaside setting within a color-themed border of swoon-worthy shoes. Another example of clever artistry is shown in front of the Eiffel Tower where, if you look closely enough, you’ll notice Boots wearing a beret! The guided I Spy games will provide entertainment for many rereads in this effervescent children’s book. So much more than a simple picture book, Charlene Stiletto and Her Search for a Fabulous Pair of Shoes is a lighthearted, cheerful, and upbeat story that parents will enjoy as much as kids.
