A Pair of Shoes

In this unforgettable, deeply moving story from two best-selling, award-winning creators, a grandmother and grandchild use kindness and ingenuity to help a neighborhood homeless man.

On regular walks with Grandma, a young girl sees the same man on the sidewalk with nothing but a sleeping bag, a book, an apple, and sandals. The girl has questions. Why won't the man say hi back? And, as winter comes, are his toes cold in those sandals? The child figures out small ways to help: First, she offers the man hot chocolate from her stand. Soon after, she devises a plan to buy the man a pair of shoes, and they make a warm, if fleeting, connection. With stunning art from Caldecott Honor artist R. Gregory Christie, acclaimed author Robie H. Harris shines light on the importance of empathy and the power of small acts of kindness toward someone living on the margins. This timely, heartwarming story will empower parents and children to have invaluable conversations about homelessness, dignity, and how they can-and can't-help.