Devonte’s Shoes

Description

Vibrant and spirited, this picture book by a debut author celebrates summer in the neighborhood and the comforts of community.

The annual end-of-summer Chapel Street cookout is here at last, and Devonte is itching to show off his brand-new kicks. They’re the flyest on either side of the pavement, but not for long. No sooner is he out the door than one mishap leads to another, and Devonte’s brand-new shoes begin to look scuffed and busted. But Chapel Street won’t let him wallow in disappointment—every person he passes steps up and shows what being part of a community means, as each one adds individual flair to improve Devonte’s shoes. How can he help but smile at their kindness? And as clouds roll over the cookout, Devonte just has to look around and realize how lucky he is, since dancing barefoot in the rain stomps new kicks every time. Relatable text and bold illustrations evoke the fun and excitement of a summer block party—and show how important communities are to our journeys, whether big or small.K. E. Lewis graduated with degrees in English and teaching from Coastal Carolina University. An educator at heart, he has taught students of all ages and dreamed of being a writer since age eight. Though his hometown is Bishopville, South Carolina (where the weather is hot and the accent thick), he now lives on the border of two states, creating immersive experiences and leading community initiatives for children’s museums in Charlotte, North Carolina. Devonte’s Shoes is his first book.

Robert Paul Jr. is the illustrator of various picture books, including the NAACP Image Award winner Cookies and Milk by Shawn Amos and Harriet Tubman: A Little Golden Book Biography by JaNay Brown-Wood. Born in St. Lucia and raised in St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands, Robert Paul Jr.’s ultimate calling is to help young people lead fun, positive, and enriched lives through storytelling. He lives with his wife and daughter in Houston, Texas.US

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