⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Must read!

A whimsical celebration of personality, imagination, and the magic of choosing your own path - one shoe at a time.

What if picking out your shoes each day was the start of a whole new adventure? That's what it's like for Simi, an exuberant young girl whose personality is as big as her shoe collection. In Simi’s Favorite Shoes: A Tale of Two Feet by Lilly Anne Wolfson, the story begins with her waking up and getting ready, a simple task that becomes extraordinary as she gathers her "loyal troops" of shoes. Through her vivid imagination, each pair comes alive with its own traits and purpose, helping her decide what kind of day to create. The story playfully offers readers a glimpse into how she chooses which shoes to wear each day. It’s not all about fashion, it’s about expressing feelings, considering possibilities, and making decisions, all told through a child’s perspective.

The storytelling and design for this book are an absolute treat. There’s a rhythm to Wolfson’s writing, almost like it’s musical, making it a fun, engaging read. I also appreciated how Simi’s expressive voice feels authentic, yet playful enough to be part of this tale. I think it's brilliant how the shoes aren't just shoes; they're a way to teach kids about their personality and feelings, and how important it is to choose for yourself. Aytan Khalafova’s illustrations are a standout feature—bright, expressive, and full of life. Each page bursts with color and detail, drawing readers deeper into Simi’s whimsical world.

From an educator’s perspective, this book offers far more than a fun story. The included feelings chart encourages social-emotional learning, while the fun facts and maze activity extend the story into meaningful conversation starters and playful learning moments. This story can also be used to spark discussions about decision-making, personal favorites, cultural diversity (through the global shoe facts), and daily routines.

I would highly recommend Simi’s Favorite Shoes to parents, teachers, and caregivers. It’s perfect for story time, classroom circle discussions, or independent reading. This is a book children will ask to read again and again, and adults will be happy to do so.

Jennifer Senick

Educator with 20 years' experience & MA in educational psychology. My passion is reviewing children's books, though I also enjoy YA novels, short stories, and occasional historical fiction or memoirs. I seek stories sparking curiosity, empathy, imagination, and great narratives.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Standout!

Simi's Favorite Shoes: A Tale of Two Feet by Lilly Anne Wolfson is an imaginative poem that captures the dilemma of a child deciding which shoes to wear for the day’s adventures. The narrative is infused with playful rhymes and Aytan Khalafova's vivid imagery, making it an engaging read for children. The story begins with a young girl waking up to the sun’s invitation to explore the world. Accompanied by her trusty stuffed tiger, Freddie, she slides into a day filled with choices, excitement, and creativity. The story cleverly personifies various types of footwear, giving each shoe personality and purpose. From Crocs that thrive in wet conditions to galoshes that conquer snow and slush, each shoe becomes a character with a unique story to tell. The child’s dilemma of choosing just one pair of shoes mirrors the broader theme of decision-making.

Lilly Anne Wolfson’s writing is rhythmic, making it easy to read aloud and perfect for shared reading experiences. The playful tone is complemented by moments of reflection, as the child pauses to consider the weather, the day’s plans, and advice from beloved toys. This blend of fun and thoughtfulness adds depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to think critically while enjoying the story. The accompanying educational tidbits about the history of footwear and geographical landmarks further enrich the read. These facts, seamlessly integrated into the text, provide an opportunity for learning without detracting from the story’s charm. Simi's Favorite Shoes explores the joy of childhood and the importance of making thoughtful choices. Its engaging rhymes, imaginative storytelling, and subtle educational elements make it a standout piece for young readers.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Fantastic Story!

Simi's Favorite Shoes: A Tale of Two Feet by Lilly Anne Wolfson is a fantastic story that follows a girl’s everyday adventures with her useful companions while imparting skills along the way. Simi wakes up to a bright and beautiful day. At the beckoning of sunshine pouring through her window, she rushes through her morning routine and slides down the stairs. At the front door, she is confronted with an important decision: which shoes should she wear today? Simi lines up all her pairs and evaluates each shoe with the help of her intriguing friends. She thinks about how each pair is suitable for a specific season. Through snow, rain, and sunshine, her reliable troops accompany her, helping her enjoy many fun-filled adventures.

Vibrant, bold illustrations by Aytan Khalafova beautifully capture Simi’s experiences as she chooses which shoes to wear and goes about her day. Children will love the rhyme in the story, which makes reading fun and engaging. I loved that each pair of shoes represents a unique experience for Simi and I appreciated the activities that children can try out. Young readers will learn valuable analytical and problem-solving skills that they can use in their daily lives. The story also offers exciting games that children will enjoy and fun facts that they can learn. Simi's Favorite Shoes by Lilly Anne Wolfson is a wonderful tale packed with helpful lessons and games. Young readers will love Simi and her friends and will enjoy her escapades.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great addition to any early elementary classroom, library, or home!

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes, or ever wish you could wear more than one pair at a time? In Simi’s Favorite Shoes: A Tale of Two Feet by Lilly Anne Wolfson, Simi finds herself facing a familiar but quirky dilemma: which of her cherished shoes will she wear for the day? Each pair has a different personality and purpose. They’ve taken her on many memorable adventures. It’s difficult for her to choose, so she consults with her stuffed friends and toys, adding a playful and imaginative layer to the decision-making process. Ultimately, she ends up with a pair that suits both her activities and mood for the day and heads off to enjoy her adventures with confidence and joy. Aytan Khalafova’s vibrant and expressive illustrations beautifully capture Simi’s playful world, adding warmth, color, and personality to every page. At the end of the story, readers are treated to a maze activity, a feelings chart, and fun facts about places and shoes that extend learning beyond the pages. These extras turn the book into a great interactive resource for both home and classroom use.

I absolutely loved Simi’s Favorite Shoes. Lilly Anne Wolfson’s writing is rhythmic and engaging, making it fun for children to read or listen to. The pictures are vibrant, detailed, and full of personality, perfectly matching the lively tone of the story, and will have children wishing they were part of Simi’s world. As an educator, I especially appreciated the positive message, and I believe it would be perfect for sparking discussions on favorite activities, appropriate footwear for different occasions, and exploring feelings using the provided chart. The global fun facts also offer a gentle introduction to geography and cultural history through something kids love—shoes! This story will be a great addition to any early elementary classroom, library, or home. I highly recommend this book for story time, activity centers, or just a fun read that kids will want to revisit again and again.

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite