Most children today, at least in the United States, own many pairs of shoes that fit properly. Sam Bennett, however, grew up during a period of history when getting a new pair of shoes was a special occasion. Sam was proud of his new shoes, purposely too big for him so that he would have plenty of room to grow into them. As the story progresses, Sam matures and takes on more responsibilities proving that not only are his feet growing to fit his shoes, but he is growing up with strength and character. Included in the book is the mention of the old tradition of hiding a worn out pair of shoes within the walls of a house to solicit good favor and ward off bad luck. The story comes full circle as Sam reaches adulthood with a child of his own and hides a pair of shoes in the wall of the new addition to his home, whispering the meaning of this tradition in his baby daughter's ear.
I enjoyed learning of this tradition of hiding shoes, a tradition of which I was not previously familiar. This picture book is most suited for younger elementary school children.