The Crazy Shoe Shuffle
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
The Crazy Shoe Shuffle, written by Gillian Cross and illustrated by Nick Sharratt, tells the story of Lee, a little boy who is always in trouble at school. One day, after a particularly bad day at school, Lee meets an old bag lady who has magical powers. This encounter leads to an unexpected turn of events that changes Lee's perspective and helps him see things from a different angle.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the main character's decision to swap shoes with others? How would you feel in that situation?
If you could create your own pair of magical shoes, what special abilities would they have?
What did the characters learn about sharing and friendship by the end of the story?
How do you think the story would have changed if the characters didn't swap their shoes?
Which part of the shoe swapping adventure did you find the most exciting or surprising?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to imagine what a day wearing someone else's shoes would be like, setting the stage for empathy and curiosity.
Pause at intense moments in the story to ask your child to predict what might happen next, encouraging critical thinking.
After finishing the book, have your child draw their favorite scene. This helps them express what resonated most with them visually.
Encourage your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own by discussing times they have shared something important with friends.
Discuss the moral of the story and ask your child how they can apply this lesson in their own life, promoting personal growth and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Crazy Shoe Shuffle' must work together to solve the mystery of the mixed-up shoes, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaborating with others to achieve a common goal, which can be applied in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face various challenges and use critical thinking to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and persistently when faced with difficulties in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book includes a diverse cast of characters, each contributing their unique perspective to solve the problem, highlighting the strength in diversity.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate individual differences and promotes inclusivity in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to take responsibility for their actions when they mistakenly swap shoes, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to own their actions and understand the impact they can have on others, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: The joy of reading
Explanation: The engaging plot and lively illustrations stimulate interest in reading and literature.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to explore more books and develop a lifelong love for reading.