The Growing-Up Feet [Paperback]

Beverly Cleary (Author), DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Four-year-old twins Jimmy and Janet can't wait to grow up. So when they go off to get new shoes, they buy bright red boots that will s-t-r-e-t-c-h and grow along with them. "Catches the nuances of preschool concerns with extraordinary precision."--Kirkus Reviews.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Twins Janet and Jimmy are growing up so fast that Mother is sure they are ready for new shoes. But at the shoe store, the twins discover their feet haven't grown up enough to require new shoes. Mr. Markle, the shoe salesman, suggests that they buy pairs of red rubber boots that will grow with their feet. The kids are so excited that they wear the new boots constantly. Father washes the car so the kids will have water to splash in and the mailman, Mr. Lemon, is gratifyingly impressed by the new boots. Cleary has created yet another charming and homey taleand a fourth felicitous collaboration with DiSalvo-Ryan. Her pastel illustrations, with dabs of bright color (like those boots), underscore Cleary's scenes of domestic harmony. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K Preschool twins Janet and Jimmy are disappointed when they go to the shoe store and learn that they haven't outgrown their old shoes yet; they had anticipated new shoes. When an offer of balloons doesn't ease their dismay, Mother buys boots for them instead. The boots are worn through dinner, bedtime, and breakfast. Outside in their boots, the twins are disappointed again, this time to find that there are no puddles to splash in. Now it's Daddy to the rescue; he makes puddles for the children as he washes the car. Alas, alas, the echoes here are not of Ramona, but of Dick and Jane. There is neither tension nor humor to catch a child's interest; the modest problems, if problems they are, get instant resolution from Mother and Daddy. Alas, too, for the endorsement of that common but deplorable American fix: if you're unhappy, I'll buy you something. The illustrations, in watercolors and pastel, are competent and pleasant, but curiously reflect the Dick-and-Jane ambiance of the textpants for Jimmy, skirts on Janet. Janet D. French, Centennial School District Libraries, Warminster, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (August 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688154700
• ISBN-13: 978-0688154707
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( C ) > Cleary, Beverly

More About the Author

Beverly Cleary's birthday, April 12th, is celebrated across the country on D.E.A.R. Day, with activities related to the Drop Everything and Read Program. One of the most popular and honored authors of all time, Beverly Cleary has won the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, and both Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. She makes her home in coastal California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars New Boots, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Growing-Up Feet (Paperback)

Brief Synopsis: Jimmy and Janet are anxious to grow up. They tell their mother that they think that their feet are growing, so she takes them for new shoes. At the shoe store, Mr. Markle says that they haven't outgrown their shoes. This makes Mr. Markle very sad, because he's afraid that he won't be able to sell Jimmy and Janet's mother any shoes for the children. He ends up talking her into buying boots to go over their old shoes. They get bright red boots that will stretch. These boots are just right for their growing feet.

Note to Teachers: This book would be good to read when studying a unit that involves measuring growth in inches or pounds. It is also good to read when talking about going shopping. The book contains beautiful pictures. Grades K-3 would enjoy this book by Beverly Cleary.

5.0 out of 5 stars great children's book, April 8, 2010

By 

Ana Marques "book lover" (Coimbra Portugal) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Growing-Up Feet (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

Great book for children starting to read. As always, Beverly Cleary is wonderful in her writting for children.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read-aloud!, July 30, 2001

By 

Debra L. (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Growing-Up Feet (Paperback)

My children loved reading this story about twin 4-year olds over and over again. Beverly Cleary is always great and the illustrations are cute.