Cian Like Keyin

In Loops author-illustrator Jashar Awan uses simple text with colorful illustrations in this picture book about a boy learning to be a “big kid” and tie shoes with laces. However, Loops has more substance than shoe tying – there is a sentiment throughout the book of it being okay to still be learning. The unnamed protagonist is shown problem solving and dealing with frustrations such as losing his shoes or not succeeding at first in a healthy way, using positive self-talk. 

My favorite part about this book is the endpapers at the beginning in which the boy exclaims “There it is! MY SHOE!” On the last page of the book, he recognizes that his shoe must be at the beginning of the book. Rereading will be fun for kids to discover the story is one big loop!

Age recommendation: Awan uses many high frequency words, making this book perfect for preschoolers to first graders to read with an adult or independently. The themes of a child wanting to be a “big kid” are also great for this age range.

Loops is out now, thank you to Simon & Schuster for early access! I love Jashar Awan’s work, and highly recommend his books for storytime or read alouds due to the colorful illustrations and simple text.