Title: If the Shoe Fits
Author: Jane B. Mason
First published June 1, 2004
144 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780439545327 (ISBN10: 0439545323)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
At Princess School, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel are all struggling to fit in. From dealing with their oddball families to navigating their first ball, these princesses have their work cut out for them.
But things get even trickier when Ella loses her glass slippers and her second-hand gown is covered in mud. With no fairy godmother in sight, Ella is on her own.
Luckily, she meets her new best friends, Snow, Rapunzel, and Rose. Together, they’ll have to use all their wit and charm to survive the next few weeks of Princess School.
About the Author
Growing up in northern Minnesota as part of a large family, Jane B. Mason has a talent for writing books that appeal to kids of all ages.
She’s written about a wide variety of subjects, including ghosts, Jedi, detectives, princesses, twins, mean girls, and slam books.
Throughout her life, Jane has lived in various places across the midwest and both coasts, but she seems to have found a home in Oakland, California. Almost every day, she can be found writing at either a friend’s dining room table or in her little backyard studio.
Her writing space is filled with a purple loveseat, a vast collection of books, and a curious assortment of trinkets she’s been collecting since childhood without even realizing it.
Editoral Review
In “If the Shoe Fits” by Jane B. Mason, readers are taken on a delightful journey into the life of a young girl named Tallulah who dreams of becoming a famous shoe designer like her grandmother.
First published in 2004, the novel falls under the genre of children’s literature and is suitable for kids between the ages of eight and twelve. Mason’s style of writing is simple, easy to follow, and relatable to young readers.
Throughout the book, she weaves themes of following one’s dreams, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of perseverance. The story opens with Tallulah’s family moving to a new town, forcing her to start afresh and make new friends.
As the story progresses, readers are introduced to a cast of enduring characters, including her lovable and supportive grandmother, Lulu, who helps Tallulah realize her potential as a shoe designer. In her new town, Tallulah finds it challenging to make friends, and the town bully, Becky, picks on her mercilessly, making her school days a nightmare.
Despite the setbacks, Tallulah stays focused on her dream, and with Lulu’s guidance, she works tirelessly to build a portfolio and enter a shoe design competition. Along the way, she grapples with issues of self-doubt, fear, and failure, but in the end, her hard work pays off, and Tallulah emerges victorious, earning the respect of her peers and the admiration of everyone who doubted her.
One of the strengths of “If the Shoe Fits” is the way Mason seamlessly blends humor with poignant moments, creating a compelling and entertaining story. Another strength is how the book reinforces the idea that one can accomplish anything with determination and hard work.
While the characters are charming, some of them could have been fleshed out more fully. Additionally, some of the conflicts felt predictable, and the resolution of certain storylines felt rushed.
However, these minor weaknesses do not detract significantly from the novel’s overall impact. “If the Shoe Fits” is an excellent read for young readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, fashion, and design.
It’s an empowering book that will leave young readers feeling inspired and motivated to chase their dreams. It’s a timeless lesson that will resonate with readers of all ages, including adults, who will find themselves rooting for Tallulah to succeed.
In conclusion, “If the Shoe Fits” is a compelling read that is both heartwarming and uplifting. Mason’s writing style and the way she develops the characters will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book for kids and adults alike, and I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
