Awan, Jashar. Loops. Jashar Awan, Illus. Simon & Schuster, 03/2026. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6659-7494-3. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
A young child (gender not specified) with tan skin and black hair describes how they learned to tie their new big-kid shoes in this book on having a positive attitude. Using some repeated phrasing, including “ta-da!” after an accomplishment, the child ties their shoes several times and demonstrates using the swings and slide at the playground. One spread shows the reader step-by-step how to tie one’s shoes. The digital illustrations use bright saturated colors and a folk art style, similar to Awan’s Caldecott Honor book Every Monday Mabel (2025). The text is just right for emergent readers with its simple vocabulary, relatable story, and affirming message.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool