Thanks to Rebecca du Preez, Kelsey Marshalsey, and Brown Paper Fox publishers for the opportunity to read this advanced review copy.
Actual rating 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Rebecca du Preez's The Lost Sock is a delightful journey of imagination centered on a mundane but often frustrating occurrence: the loss of one sock from a pair that has gone into the laundry, especially in the dryer! I'm sure that thousands of children and their parents have wondered and scratched their heads about just what happens to that lost sock - where does it go?
Du Preez allows children (and the adults in their lives who will no doubt share in thw reading of this picture book) to contemplate and imagine the myriad possibilities of that sock's journey in a way that can then prompt those young readers to come up with their own alternatives. The inclusion of far away places also allows the young readers to learn about other cultures and countries, fostering the mirror/window aspect of reading that is so important for children.
The text works wonderfully with Kelsey Marshalsey's whimsical illustrations that will inspire readers to learn about art and try their hand at making art as well.
Du Preez uses some rhyming in the story, but it doesn't sound forced or sing-songy, but, in reading it aloud, I did find a few of the phrases a bit awkwardly constructed, which ultimately interrupts the flow of the story (hence the .5 star deduction). I do believe, however, that this picture book will be a hit for the intended readers and inspire some great imaginative flights of fancy for both the children and their parents!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
