The Sock Thief

PreS-Gr 1—Felipe has a secret. On his morning walk to school in Brazil, he carefully exchanges juicy mangoes from his family's tree for his neighbors' drying socks. Many of the local animals are witnesses, including the rooster, who attempts to announce the disappearing socks with a swift "Cocoricó!" Felipe continues his journey and begins to stuff each sock with used newspaper, twisting and tying the materials into a firm round object. The mystery isn't under wraps for long, as Felipe presents the handmade sock ball to his school friends. Inspired by her father's childhood recollections, Crespo presents a charming story that not only appeals to futebol, or soccer, fans but also to those who possess a creative spirit. She provides a glossary with Portuguese words and scatters a few Portuguese animal sounds throughout the text. Gonzalez paints with a boldness that gives life to the Brazilian setting, adding a little bounce to this futebol-themed picture book.