In the Pages review

In the Pages
March 1, 2011

Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes
by Becky Bilby

Larry Peterson has written, Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes, and it is one I am raving over right now! Willie Wiggles is a little boy that has slippery feet. No one knows why, but he just can't seem to sit still or stay up on his slippery feet. But even more than his slippery feet, he hates the new shoes that are made for him to quit slipping. He is sure everyone and everything is laughing at his shoes and he feels horrible about it - UNTIL, he chats with his mom a bit. :) I love this - it encourages us to think about what we are worrying about - maybe there's nothing to worry about in the first place! BUT, it also does a fantastic job of showing that kids are different - we are not all made the same - and that is what I loved even more. As a mom of a daughter with special needs (that often aren't explainable by doctors) we just know that we truly are all made differently but there is nothing wrong with that! I will shout this one from the rafters - I loved it and it has a special spot in my heart!! Thank you, Larry, for caring for the "special" ones!!

I leave you with the Dedication to the book:

Dedicated to all kids

who think they are “different.”

It does not matter…

How tall or short you are,

How big your nose is,

How fast you can run,

How high you can jump,

If you can see or not,

Hear or not,

Or even be wheelchair bound.

You are all God’s special individual creations

and God “don’t make no junk.”