Lena's Shoes Are Nervous

By Keith Calabrese, Juana Medina (illustrator),

Book cover of Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-Of-School Dilemma

Book description

In the tradition of School’s First Day of School, debut author Keith Calabrese and Pura Belpré Award winner Juana Medina share a sweet, universal story about a clever little girl whose shoes are nervous about the first day of school.

Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Lena's Shoes Are Nervous as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Lena isn’t worried about the first day of kindergarten - but her shoes are. In this clever story we see various parts of Lena’s wardrobe taking on various personalities, possibly mirroring parts of Lena’s own personality. Her outgoing blue dress is ready for a new adventure, her friendly headband wants everyone to work together, of course, her fearful footwear wants to stay home. But when Lena threatens to wear her slippers to school, will her shoes muster the courage to march forward? A creative and witty book about facing your fears.

From Jennifer's list on worried or anxious children.

Starting school often comes with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Lena’s big imagination displaces her first-day jitters onto her shoes. This child-centric plot puts Lena in complete control as she facilitates a listening session between her headband and her shoes. With some encouragement, her shoes decide they don’t want to be left behind. Calabrese and Medina give Lena agency, stopping short of anthropomorphizing her clothes and allowing her to work through her big emotions in her own special way.

Want books like Lena's Shoes Are Nervous?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Lena's Shoes Are Nervous.

Browse books like Lena's Shoes Are Nervous

Book cover of The Rabbit Listened
Book cover of Coming on Home Soon
Book cover of Sometimes I'm Bombaloo

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,592

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in clothing, anxiety, and first day of school?

Clothing 39 books
Anxiety 216 books