Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson
March 17, 2011 at 9:59 pm | Posted in Books to be read by families, children's books, Children's picture books, Humor | 5 CommentsTags: book reviews, books for young readers, books that teach a lesson, books that teach children a lesson, children's books, Children's picture books, children's books about accepting differences, children's books that teach a lesson, children’s authors, Larry Peterson, Slippery Willie's Stupid, The Children’s and Teens Book Connection, Tribute Books, Ugly Shoes, virtual book tour
Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. They are so slippery that he just slips, slides, and spins all over the place. The only thing he hates worse than his slippery feet is his stupid, ugly shoes. He’s certain everyone is going to laugh at him when they see them on his feet. He’ll be the laughing-stock of the school; no, of his neighborhood. Even the animals will be laughing at him.
There is no way he is wearing those stupid, ugly shoes.
Get ready to laugh, because this is one silly story. Can you imagine having such slippery feet that you can’t even keep your shoes on? Even worse, can you imagine having to walk around with the stupidest, ugliest shoes on your feet that are specially made to help with your problem?
Well, that’s what happens to poor Willie Wiggles and he sure isn’t happy about it.
While this is a zany story, it tackles a very serious issue: accepting differences. Often young people are anxious about themselves–their appearance, their physical challenges–even when there’s nothing to worry about in the first place. Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson addresses this topic, and it does so by delivering the message in a non-threatening way. That is easily my favorite part of the book.
The artwork for this book is wonderful. They are simple illustrations, but they work well with the text. They also manage to display a great deal of emotion, despite their simplicity.
Included at the end of the book is an Interactive Guide that contains activities and discussion questions, making Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes perfect for the classroom or home. Parents and educators can use this as a springboard for more meaningful discussions about accepting ourselves and others.
Rating: 
Book web site: http://www.slipperywillie.com
Larry Peterson Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx
Tribute Books website: http://www.tribute-books.com
Tribute Books Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks
Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes is
his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 28 years.
Buy links:
http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#children8
Excerpt:
http://www.freado.com/read/9129/slippery-willies-stupid-ugly-shoes
Looking for readers to share their thoughts about accepting differences at:
http://slipperywillie.blogspot.com/2011/01/share-your-thoughts-about-accepting.html
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As always, thank you for your support! I’m so glad that you got a kick out of the antics of “Slippery Willie” while at the same time appreciating the deeper message that Larry wanted to get across. It’s an honor to be featured on your blog among the great work you do to promote children’s authors.
Comment by Nicole Langan— March 18, 2011 #
Hi Cheryl—Thanks so much for the awesome review you gave my book. I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. Your insight into Willie’s emotional upheaval was right on the mark. Once again, THANK YOU. You have no idea how much this meant to me.
Sincerely,
Larry Peterson
Comment by Larry Peterson— March 18, 2011 #
Thanks for stopping by Larry and Nicole. This book really touched my heart, as I got my first set of eyeglasses when I was in 3rd grade and became “four eyes” for years afterwards.
It’s not always easy to accept your appearance or things like glasses. That the book is able to talk about these things, making them a bit zany, while still getting across a good message, is important.
Comment by ccgevry— March 18, 2011 #
Great review! very cute and adorable illustrations.
Comment by Mary Ann Langan— March 25, 2011 #
[...] Larry Peterson. Peterson also wrote Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes, which we reviewed here. This is a moving story of one family’s life turned upside down by the sudden and unexpected [...]
Pingback by Review: The Priest and The Peaches by Larry Peterson « The Children's and Teens' Book Connection— January 16, 2012 #