As lovely as summer is, fall in New England is definitely glorious. And there is something special about getting back to the routines. Kids are back in school and little ones at home need activities…what could be better than reading a Perfect Picture Book?

Today I’m thrilled to feature a story by tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies author, Ana Crespo. It’s sweet, it’s funny, it multicultural—who could ask for more?

THE SOCK THIEF

Written by Ana Crespo

Illustrated by Nana Gonzalez

Publisher: Albert Whitman (2015)

Ages: 3-8

Themes: Problem solving, creativity

Opening Lines:

“In a small Brazilian town, Felipe leaves home earlier than usual. He walks a long way to school.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“Brazilian boy Felipe doesn’t have a soccer ball. So, when it’s his turn to take one to school, he uses a little bit of creativity… and a few socks. Felipe is the sock thief, but finding socks is not that easy and the neighborhood pets make it even harder. “Au, au, au!” a dog barks in Portuguese. Felipe wonders if he’ll play soccer with his friends today or if he will be caught by a tattle-tale parrot? Along the way, Felipe leaves delicious mangoes in exchange for the socks he steals. After he swipes each pair, he twists and turns them into an ever-growing soccer ball. At the end of the day, he returns each pair of socks with a note to say thank you.”

Why I like this book:

• Simply wonderful text
• Engaging illustrations
• Appeals to a child’s sense of humor
• Multicultural

How a parent can use this book:

• Wonderful read aloud
• Great opportunity to talk about problem solving – you could even play a game with your child…what would you do if…?

Related Activity:

Paper Bag Bean Bag Toss

Photo courtesy: http://www.teachpreschool.org

I couldn’t find a picture of bean bags decorated like soccer balls, but it wouldn’t be difficult to use black marker or crayons on a white lunch bag. And filling them with socks instead of beans would be fun for kids to do.

For exact instructions, please go here: http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/02/paper-bean-bags/

For more awesome picture book reviews and activities, don’t miss Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.

And please please please don’t forget to come back tomorrow to meet and greet our Will Write for Cookies guest:

ANA CRESPO

She’s got a lot to share…including a yummy Brazilian dessert!

See you tomorrow! We’ll also be announcing the email subscriber winner of a copy of Show Me How!