All he wants to do is learn how to tap dance, but there is one catch – he cannot tie his shoelaces on his tap shoes. Caterpillar is very upset, as it is not just one or two shoelaces that he must learn to tie, but dozens.
Written
by Ed Allen, Shoelaces Are Impossible is a light-hearted story about learning
to tie your shoelaces and with children starting the school year, one that every
parent has experienced.
Being
a caterpillar does mean he has lots of different talents – counting, walking a
spider-web tightrope, flying a kite, playing multiple drums, but he cannot tap dance
unless he can tie-up his shoes.
However,
Bunny the rabbit, Caterpillar’s friend wants to help him. Bunny insists it is
all about the practice and with the number of feet Caterpillar has, practicing
won’t be a problem.
Step-by-step,
Bunny takes Caterpillar through the process. First step is to hold the laces,
then cross them over, tuck one underneath the other and pull tight. Then you
make bunny ears, cross them over, tucking one underneath the other and pull
tight. Success, except if you are a caterpillar . . .
But
Bunny says to practice, have patience and it will work. Bunny never gets angry
even as shoes fly past his ears from a frustrated caterpillar or when a
practicing caterpillar mistakes Bunny’s ears for shoelaces.
The
illustrations by Nathaniel Eckstrom showcase Caterpillar’s enthusiasm,
frustration and success all within a comedic but serious message. Children will realise that anything is
possible if you practice and have patience.
Now
you can say you have heard of the tap dancing caterpillar, but have you heard about
the ice skating caterpillar?
Title: Shoelaces Are Impossible
Author: Ed Allen
Illustrator: Nathaniel Eckstrom
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $15.99
Publication Date: 1 January 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760154950
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book