Review: Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties (Amelie and Nanette)

Amelie and Nanette are the very best of friends. They love to share their secrets and adventures with each other. When they go shopping separately, they can’t wait to see each other to show off their new treasures. Nanette has a new pair of perfect, special red shoes and Amelie has a pretty new dress with roses and ribbons.

‘Anything new is something to celebrate,’ announces Amelie, so the girls plan a New Shoes and New Dress Picnic Party. They gather the food and walk together to their special place by the river, but they don’t plan for Amelie’s very large dog Pilou to join them. Will Pilou ruin their party, or will the girls still be able to dance and twirl in their special new clothes?

Although Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties may be too much sweetness and light for some, it is a beautiful story about friendship that is exquisitely illustrated. Personally, I think Amelie’s dress is rather lovely and as the owner of my own pair of red sparkly shoes, I’m hardly in a position to declare that Nanette’s delight in her new footwear is irrelevant.

If your child loves flowers, twirly dresses, beautiful shoes and feather scarves, they will find plenty of these and more to admire in Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties. The story is a lovely reminder that special items and events are best shared with friends and when plans go awry, a good friend by your side makes all the difference.

Title: Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties (Amelie and Nanette)
Author/Illustrator: Sophie Tilley
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408836620
For ages: 3-6
Type: Picture Book