What do you think?
Rate this book
Boot Shoe
Boot and Shoe were born into the same litter, and now they live in the same house. They eat out of the same bowl, pee on the same tree, and sleep in the same bed. But they spend their days apart - Boot is always on the back porch because he's a back porch kind of dog, and Shoe likes to be on the front porch because he's a front porch kind of dog. This is exactly perfect for them.
But then a crazy neighbourhood squirrel arrives . . . and everything goes topsy-turvy!
Caldecott Honor Medalist Marla Frazee brings her signature wit, tenderness, and hilarious illustrations to the cutest pair of dogs you've ever seen who are sure to steal your heart.
Hardcover
First published October 2, 2012
2 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Marla Frazee
77 books184 followersMarla Frazee was awarded a Caldecott Honor for All the World and A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever and the Boston Globe Horn Book Award for Picture Book for The Farmer and the Clown. She is the author-illustrator of Roller Coaster, Walk On!, Santa Claus the World’s Number One Toy Expert, The Boss Baby, and Boot & Shoe, as well as the illustrator of many other books including The Seven Silly Eaters, Stars, the NYT bestselling Clementine series, and God Got a Dog. Marla has three grown sons, a Little Free Library in her front yard, and a studio in her back yard under an avocado tree.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
February 15, 2013
I love Marla Frazee's books, but I didn't think this came up to standard, especially if the standard is Caldecott Honor bookA Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever, or even Roller Coaster. I am not the first person to notice that Boot and Shoe look like cats, specifically a Persian and Siamese mix. I'm not sure what breed Boot and Shoe are (maybe some Yorkshire and Pomeranian?), but wouldn't dogs named Boot and Shoe look, I don't know, tougher?
But that's not my main objection: I thought the story was a bit thin, and there is not much delineation between the two dogs as characters except that Boot is a back porch dog and Shoe is a front porch dog. But you could switch around those labels and it would not matter. And as dogs go, they're not terribly bright to get so confused. Wouldn't their sense of smell lead them to the correct conclusion ?(I'm trying to avoid a spoiler, even though, as I said, there is not much plot.)Still, the illustrations (black Prismacolor pencil and gouache on Speckletone Madero Beach paper)are sweet and fun, like all of Frazee's drawings. And there is one double page spread that is hysterical. I won't tell you which one, but it involves a squirrel.
Lexile measure 470; easy to read.
Awards won by Marla Frazee:
Caldecott Honors for A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever and All the World
School Library Journal's Best Book of 2001
Horn Book Fanfare
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award
Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrator's Golden Kite Award
Children's Literature Council of Southern California's Excellence in Illustration Award
But that's not my main objection: I thought the story was a bit thin, and there is not much delineation between the two dogs as characters except that Boot is a back porch dog and Shoe is a front porch dog. But you could switch around those labels and it would not matter. And as dogs go, they're not terribly bright to get so confused. Wouldn't their sense of smell lead them to the correct conclusion ?(I'm trying to avoid a spoiler, even though, as I said, there is not much plot.)Still, the illustrations (black Prismacolor pencil and gouache on Speckletone Madero Beach paper)are sweet and fun, like all of Frazee's drawings. And there is one double page spread that is hysterical. I won't tell you which one, but it involves a squirrel.
Lexile measure 470; easy to read.
Awards won by Marla Frazee:
Caldecott Honors for A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever and All the World
School Library Journal's Best Book of 2001
Horn Book Fanfare
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award
Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrator's Golden Kite Award
Children's Literature Council of Southern California's Excellence in Illustration Award
November 16, 2012
Well, when I saw the cover alone I thought this would be about cats but it's about dogs. I'm happy with either ;-) though I think I prefer Frazee's illustrations of humans to those of animals, but they are still very cute. The story itself is fine, it's about two dogs who share a house and are very good friends but one likes to hang out on the front porch and the other on the back porch during the day. It's a nice way to show kids that one can have many similar interests with a friend or family member, but that it's also nice and perfectly okay to have separate interests, too.
The "mix up" aspect with the dogs searching for one another in the yard got a bit annoying, honestly. And I just didn't understand why the owner didn't come out to help (especially since we get a hint of her in the last illustration). That brought this down to a three star for me. But, kids might enjoy the capers more than I did.
The "mix up" aspect with the dogs searching for one another in the yard got a bit annoying, honestly. And I just didn't understand why the owner didn't come out to help (especially since we get a hint of her in the last illustration). That brought this down to a three star for me. But, kids might enjoy the capers more than I did.
November 14, 2022
Cute brother dogs get all sad when an evil squirrel separates them one long and lonely night. But it's funny!
This is a breath of fresh air after the three super dull picture books my wife and I read earlier tonight.
Thank god for dogs. And potty jokes.
This is a breath of fresh air after the three super dull picture books my wife and I read earlier tonight.
Thank god for dogs. And potty jokes.
October 24, 2012
Very funny, especially for dog lovers. The squirrel who gets "all up in the dogs' business" is hilarious. My only complaint is that I thought the dogs were cats at first from the illustrations.
August 30, 2019
Born in the same litter, Boots and Shoe did everything together, from eating to sleeping. Everything, that is, except porch-sitting. Boot was a back-porch kind of dog, and Shoe a front-porch one. Then one day a squirrel happened by and caused lots of trouble (as they are wont to do), leading the two canine brothers on a chase around the house. When Boot ends up at the back porch, and Shoe at the front, they are each bewildered not to see the other, and decide to keep watch until their counterpart returns. It is, as the narrator informs the reader, a lonely time...
Having greatly enjoyed some of author/illustrator Marla Frazee's other picture-books, from All the World to The Farmer and the Clown , I was fully prepared to take Boot & Shoe to heart, especially when I saw it was about cats. Except it wasn't about cats after all, I was simply deceived by my first glance at the cover... which turned out to be just fine! This is a sweet story, even if it doesn't have the emotional depth of some of Frazee's other titles, and features a heartwarming ending, one that will satisfy young child listeners. The artwork, as is to be expected from this illustrator, is absolutely adorable, capturing Boot and Shoe's changing emotional state perfectly. Recommended to all young dog lovers, and to anyone searching for engaging and humorous tales for the picture-book set.
Having greatly enjoyed some of author/illustrator Marla Frazee's other picture-books, from All the World to The Farmer and the Clown , I was fully prepared to take Boot & Shoe to heart, especially when I saw it was about cats. Except it wasn't about cats after all, I was simply deceived by my first glance at the cover... which turned out to be just fine! This is a sweet story, even if it doesn't have the emotional depth of some of Frazee's other titles, and features a heartwarming ending, one that will satisfy young child listeners. The artwork, as is to be expected from this illustrator, is absolutely adorable, capturing Boot and Shoe's changing emotional state perfectly. Recommended to all young dog lovers, and to anyone searching for engaging and humorous tales for the picture-book set.
October 28, 2024
Never underestimate the role of a joint tree to pee on.
June 5, 2025
I enjoyed this silly little book about two dogs.
January 4, 2013
I've become a fan of Marla Frazee as an illustrator (All the World & Stars). This is the first work I've read from her as an author/illustrator. Boot & Shoe has her signature, two-time Caldecott Honor medalist artwork; her sketches of nighttime scenes are especially lovely.
The story is cute, centering around two dogs, Boot and Shoe (who look like cats, to be honest) whose predictable existence on the back porch and front porch, respectively, is thrown into disarray by a mischievous squirrel. The two-page spread of the cats...er, dogs chasing the squirrel would no doubt send grade K-2 kids into squealing giggle fits.
The story is cute, centering around two dogs, Boot and Shoe (who look like cats, to be honest) whose predictable existence on the back porch and front porch, respectively, is thrown into disarray by a mischievous squirrel. The two-page spread of the cats...er, dogs chasing the squirrel would no doubt send grade K-2 kids into squealing giggle fits.
September 4, 2017
A cute story with precious illustrations.
Boot and Shoe are two puppies that love each other very much and spend all their time together.
Except when one stays on the front porch and the other on the back.
One day a mischievous squirrel teases Boot and Shoe until they end up on the wrong porch. They are confused and cannot find each other.
The story shows us how Boot and Shoe find each other and all ends well.
Boot and Shoe are two puppies that love each other very much and spend all their time together.
Except when one stays on the front porch and the other on the back.
One day a mischievous squirrel teases Boot and Shoe until they end up on the wrong porch. They are confused and cannot find each other.
The story shows us how Boot and Shoe find each other and all ends well.
June 4, 2015
I definitely thought this was about cats at first. Anyway it was still very cute. I'm not a big fan of slang in children's books and there's a bit of that in here, that definitely caught me off guard. It just reads very strange to me, maybe because I don't speak like that, I don't know.
3 year old's favorite part: when the dogs went outside to pee on the tree. Sigh.
3 year old's favorite part: when the dogs went outside to pee on the tree. Sigh.
October 8, 2012
Age: Preschool-1st grade
I truly love Marla Frazee--she is one of my favorite artists--so automatic three stars. The fourth star is for the devout friendship Boot and Shoe have for each other--and the squirrel chase scene.
As Boot and Shoe chase the squirrel around the house, the illustrations show duplicate images of dog chasing squirrel over every inch of the exterior. That is until squirrel got bored and walked away. With all the commotion of the scene, Frazee places the ending line "And walked away" exactly where the squirrel is walking away unnoticed off the page, drawing the reader's eye down to show the listener where the squirrel is going. A simple accomplishment, yet genius in its execution--a true sign of a children's illustrator/author that knows her audience's needs.
I truly love Marla Frazee--she is one of my favorite artists--so automatic three stars. The fourth star is for the devout friendship Boot and Shoe have for each other--and the squirrel chase scene.
As Boot and Shoe chase the squirrel around the house, the illustrations show duplicate images of dog chasing squirrel over every inch of the exterior. That is until squirrel got bored and walked away. With all the commotion of the scene, Frazee places the ending line "And walked away" exactly where the squirrel is walking away unnoticed off the page, drawing the reader's eye down to show the listener where the squirrel is going. A simple accomplishment, yet genius in its execution--a true sign of a children's illustrator/author that knows her audience's needs.
January 13, 2013
This is a sweet and entertaining story about two dogs. The slow, routine life for Boot and Shoe is very soothing and the disruption to that tranquility is humorous and startling. The pencil and gouache illustrations are wonderful, although I have to admit that I did a double-take on the first page trying to decide if the animals were cats or dogs (of course, they are dogs.)
Overall, we enjoyed reading this book together and we laughed heartily at the squirrel chase illustration in the middle of the story. It was a fun story to read aloud.
interesting quote:
"But even in the worst of times, a dog still needs to pee." (p. 27)
Overall, we enjoyed reading this book together and we laughed heartily at the squirrel chase illustration in the middle of the story. It was a fun story to read aloud.
interesting quote:
"But even in the worst of times, a dog still needs to pee." (p. 27)
April 22, 2015
Actually 3 and a half stars...I was sure this was about cats... Being a cat person. They really look like cats to me. But Its about dogs, I guess, anyway, it was cute, funny, entertaining, and it had squirrels, which made it even more riotous. The chase was worth the read, hilarious! I shall have to find more of Frazee's books, she's very talented, and quite funny.
October 14, 2015
This book is really funny and adorable because they do stuff together like they were brothers. I like this book because it's similar like me and my friend because we play together, we make YouTube videos together, and we play Mine craft together. I will recommend it to a 1st grader or a 2nd grader.
August 5, 2017
So, so sweet!!
November 16, 2022
Sweet, cute, funny, and at one point really sad! but, don't worry it works out! book that reaffirms my opinion that dogs are awesome and squirrels are evil.
November 30, 2022
Would be good paired with how to apologize or turtle and tortoise are not friends, and how the things we think divide us, really bring us together.
August 5, 2025
My mum loved this so much
March 31, 2018
I read this book to my dog (who just happens to look like Boot and Shoe!) and he loved it. He also does not appreciate it when squirrels get all up in his business.
February 13, 2021
My concern for Boot and Shoe was so real I cried out, "Oh, no!" three quarters of the way through the book. Love these dogs!
September 3, 2013
Humorous with a Warm and Fuzzy Message …
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
BOOT & SHOE is a simple story about two dogs from the same litter that complacently live separate lives in the same house (one on the front porch and one on the back porch). Without thought, the dogs go about their daily routine apart from one-another with the exception of eating, sleeping and using the same “latrine tree”. One day, the dogs’ mundane world is rudely flipped upside-down by a visit from an aggressive squirrel. What the squirrel does, however, is force each dog to realize that the happiness of being apart each day is predicated on the simple comfort of knowing the other is still there.
Simple, fun and graphically entertaining (the squirrel visit is funny), BOOT & SHOE is a good book for early readers (Kindergarten and First Grade). The author utilizes the two-dog scenario to tell the story in a somewhat repetitive manner that reinforces certain words and phrases (Boot and Shoe each do the same things, but from different sides of the house). The pencil artwork is presented in a soft and faded tone; the text is in a small hand-printed font. A somewhat oversized book, there is a lot of empty space on the pages. While the artwork is front and center, there is room for a larger, easier-to-read text.
What really endeared me to the story of Boot & Shoe was that it seemed to parallel the lives of my six and three year old daughters who seem to ignore each other’s existence on a daily basis … until they are apart from one another.
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
BOOT & SHOE is a simple story about two dogs from the same litter that complacently live separate lives in the same house (one on the front porch and one on the back porch). Without thought, the dogs go about their daily routine apart from one-another with the exception of eating, sleeping and using the same “latrine tree”. One day, the dogs’ mundane world is rudely flipped upside-down by a visit from an aggressive squirrel. What the squirrel does, however, is force each dog to realize that the happiness of being apart each day is predicated on the simple comfort of knowing the other is still there.
Simple, fun and graphically entertaining (the squirrel visit is funny), BOOT & SHOE is a good book for early readers (Kindergarten and First Grade). The author utilizes the two-dog scenario to tell the story in a somewhat repetitive manner that reinforces certain words and phrases (Boot and Shoe each do the same things, but from different sides of the house). The pencil artwork is presented in a soft and faded tone; the text is in a small hand-printed font. A somewhat oversized book, there is a lot of empty space on the pages. While the artwork is front and center, there is room for a larger, easier-to-read text.
What really endeared me to the story of Boot & Shoe was that it seemed to parallel the lives of my six and three year old daughters who seem to ignore each other’s existence on a daily basis … until they are apart from one another.
April 25, 2014
This was merely okay, mostly because of the squirrel. The squirrel is the zenith of the book, and everything was the doldrums after that. You know that part in the last Harry Potter where Harry and Hermione spend an inordinate amount of time doing nothing, wandering around aimlessly, arguing and moping? That's what this book felt like, only in miniature. Thank god Frazee told us the species of Boot and Shoe; they look suspiciously like cats. I usually like Marla Frazee books, but this one just didn't float my boat. Except for the page with the squirrel. That squirrel, like all squirrels, is perfectly lovely sass on the page.
November 26, 2018
This book is about two dogs that are brothers, they grew up together and have never been apart, they fight with a squirrel and get separated and cant find each other and end up finding each other the next morning.
the language in this book gets a little confusing at time for me, it may have been the font that was used in the book. I thought the book was cute and heart felt though. I also was not a fan of the illustrations.
I probably will not use this book, but I would have it in my reading corner and use it for a story about family.
the language in this book gets a little confusing at time for me, it may have been the font that was used in the book. I thought the book was cute and heart felt though. I also was not a fan of the illustrations.
I probably will not use this book, but I would have it in my reading corner and use it for a story about family.
September 26, 2012
I love Marla Frazee!! She is one of my favorite picture book authors/illustrators. And what an adorable book Boot & Shoe was. Not only are the illustrations great but there were a few lines in the book that had me chuckle!
In reference to a trouble making squirrel: "And then it got all up in Boot's business."
And my favorite line in the book: "But, even in the worst of times, a dog still needs to pee."
Can't wait to read it in storytime!!
In reference to a trouble making squirrel: "And then it got all up in Boot's business."
And my favorite line in the book: "But, even in the worst of times, a dog still needs to pee."
Can't wait to read it in storytime!!
October 9, 2019
Boots and Shoe are brothers. They do almost everything together. Once day a squirrel comes and causes some drama in the lives of these two pups.
"Then one day, for no apparent reason, a squirrel started some trouble."
From this line, I was hooked. Such a cute story about two pups with great love and devotion for each other. Any dog lover can relate to this story and to the activities of the day.
"Then one day, for no apparent reason, a squirrel started some trouble."
From this line, I was hooked. Such a cute story about two pups with great love and devotion for each other. Any dog lover can relate to this story and to the activities of the day.
October 24, 2012
What an adorable book, particularly for dog lovers. Two little dogs have a set routine, but a squirrel messes it up and they think they've lost each other forever. This would make a cute storytime book for K-2. The kids will likely get a kick out of the dogs having a special tree to pee on.
November 4, 2013
A book my 5 yr old as well as my twin 3 yr olds loved. A solid reading level 1 book, this cute story keeps all ages engaged with the bright colorful pictures and cute story. A great addition to any children's library.
July 24, 2016
Boot and Shoe were born in the same litter and live in the same house. Boot is a back porch dog and Shoe a front porch dog until a squirrel chase mixes them up in this humorous circular story. Lots of fun.
October 18, 2012
Marla Frazee is once again magnificent!
October 12, 2012
I laughed; I cried; I loved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews