Charlotte's New Moccasins

by Jenn Moudahi, Rhael McGregor (illustrator)

Charlotte has outgrown her moccasins! Still, there's nothing a trip to Grandma's can't fix in this heartwarming intergenerational story.

A sweet, celebratory picture book about family and culture by two debut Métis creators centered around Indigenous peoples' tradition of making moccasins, perfect for 3-7-year-olds.

Charlotte has outgrown her moccasins, so she and her Mom head to Grandma's for new ones. Grandma teaches Charlotte how to make her new mocs step-by-step, and she learns a valuable skill from her beloved elder in this heartwarming multigenational story.

A contemporary celebration of Native culture, tradition, and family. A highly-relatable story for Indigenous kids and any kid that has ever outgrown their favorite thing to wear.

Back matter includes details about moccasins then and now, some additional facts about them, and information about how they have been made over time.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Taylor Woolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte’s New Moccasins by Jenn Moudahi, with illustrations by Rhael McGregor, is a lively and heartwarming story that captures both the universal experience of outgrowing a favorite pair of shoes and the unique tradition of moccasin-making. Charlotte’s boundless energy and enthusiasm make her an instantly lovable character, especially as her mischief leads her into moments every child can relate to. McGregor’s bold, comic book–style artwork doesn’t just accompany the story, it amplifies it. The use of color and background texture mirrors Charlotte’s emotions while also cleverly illustrating the technical artistry that goes into crafting moccasins.

Beyond the engaging narrative, the book offers young readers an educational glimpse into Indigenous heritage and craftsmanship. Moudahi seamlessly blends storytelling with cultural knowledge, explaining the steps and symbolism behind moccasin-making in ways that are both accessible and fascinating. Two pages of back matter provide even more context, making this an excellent resource for classrooms. High-energy, fun, and deeply informative, Charlotte’s New Moccasins is both a joyful story and a meaningful introduction to tradition, creativity, and family bonds.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This creative title centers around Charlotte, who grows out of her moccasins. She tells her grandmother about it and they work together to sew new ones and to problem solve when Charlotte knocks all of the beads over. Readers will gain unique insight into the art of moccasin-making and the meaningful bonds formed through special indigenous traditions as Charlotte listens to and shares stories with her grandmother. Readers learn new words such as welt and whipstitch, which Moudahi expands upon in the informational section included at the end of the story. Additionally, the author writes descriptively about nature and connects items like “bristly moose hair” with the sewing process. The illustrations are well done and have a calming, soft quality to them. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Charlotte finally grows out of her favorite moccasins (handmade by her grandma), she's devastated. But soon she realizes it gives her the perfect reason to hang out with Grandma and make a new pair! As Grandma lovingly measures, cuts, sews, and beads new mocassins, she and Charlotte share stories, lunch, and plenty of priceless time together. By the end of the day Charlotte's rocking brand new mocs, designed to beautifully represent the bond between her and Grandma.

This is such a sweet story and I absolutely love the illustration style. The back pages were also super informative about the history and creation process for moccasins!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.

This is such a great picture book! I love the art and how it was so expressive. The story of Charlotte growing out of her moccasins and visiting her grandmother to see how they’re made and begin learning the practice of making moccasins was so great. I loved the design choice for beading on Charlotte’s new moccasins and how it came to be. All around this is a delightful picture book full of heart.

[Megan Clendenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet intergenerational story! One day Charlotte discovers she has grown out of her favorite moccasins. She heads to her Grandma's for an exciting day to make new ones. I love the special time she spends with her Grandma, and I loved following the process of designing and making new moccasins. I learned so much! A wonderful story and relatable to any kid who has grown out of a favorite piece of clothing. Fascinating back matter provides more detail on Indigenous culture and moccasin making. Highly recommended for gifts, teachers, and libraries.

[Sonja Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a delightful book about a grandchild and her grandmother working together to create something special--a new pair of moccasins, made extra-special by the decorations at the end. I felt the cozy warmth of their relationship, and it felt special to be welcomed into this Native American home. It made me miss my own grandmother and to remember her cozy kitchen and the time we baked a cake made with ginger and cinnamon. I hope that children all over will seek their grandmothers to create something special together after reading this book!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte makes new moccasins with her grandma after she outgrows her old ones. She learns step-by-step how to make the new ones with her grandma carefully guiding the way. The book celebrates the multigenerational traditions and culture found in a Native American culture. The colorful illustrations will engage readers as Charlotte tells her story. Backmatter include more information on how moccasins are made. Many children will relate to the loving relationship that Charlotte has with her grandma.

[Dianne Koebel-Pede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Begins with lovely alliteration and a pair of too-small moccasins. Charlotte spends a heartwarming day at Grandma’s, whose workshop is inviting and filled with treasures. Grandma makes her a new pair of moccasins, and Charlotte and the reader learn, step by step, how they are made. Charlotte is excited and inspired to carry on this family tradition and make her own moccasins when she outgrows this pair.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the special relationship between Charlotte and her grandma that is shown as they make moccasins together. Kids will enjoy learning the process of making these traditional shoes, especially those who have an interest in STEAM and crafting. This story of family, traditions, and culture is beautifully illustrated with a palette of earth tones which perfectly complements the text. Additional back matter offers more in-depth information about moccasins.

[The Autistic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte has outgrown her moccasins, so it's time to go to her grandmother's house for a new pair. Grandma teaches Charlotte about the history and cultural importance related to the moccasins, while showing her how to make a new pair. This is a great contemporary story about indigenous culture and includes information about the history of moccasins over time. Highly recommend for any family!

[Nancy Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and beautifully illustrated story about the special relationship between a young girl and her grandmother, and the importance of passing on traditions. Charlotte has outgrown her moccasins, so together she and her grandmother choose the hide, and make a new pair. While they work they share stories and the reader learns how moccasins are made.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun and interesting. It’s about a girl who has grown out of her moccasins and how her and her grandmother make a new pair. There’s information in the back about what a moccasin is and how it relates to various indigenous people. This book was entertaining and educational and should stay on library shelves for a while.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

When she grows out of her moccasins, Charlotte travels to Grandma's to make a new pair. a generational story with native american culture and a full step-by-step of how to make moccasins. The reader is left fulfilled and also excited for the next pair of moccasins as this skill is passed down through generations.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher.
Charlotte learns the traditional way to make moccasins from her grandmother. I love the intergenerational elements here along with the back matter.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story highlighting the special relationship between a girl and her grandmother. Yes, it celebrates Native American culture. Yes, the reader learns of the craft of making a moccasin. And yes, it shows that growing up isn't so bad after all, especially when you end up with new moccasins.

[Nkosazana ✨☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this! 😄 I loved how we got to go through the process with Charlotte and her grandma when they were making new moccasins. 💖 And I'm happy that the author added in some info on the history of moccasins. I definitely want to get a copy of this for myself. 🤗

[Sue Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of craft and family relationships. Kids will love the spilling of the beads. This is one of those stories that I am sorry to see it end. I want to know what Grandma and Charlotte do next.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sunny and joyful. Don’t miss the backmatter.

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly sweet story about an Indigenous girl, named Charlotte, who laments growing out of the moccasins her grandmother made for her and learning to make a new pair with her grandmother. The end of the story also includes a lot of information about the history of moccasins, how they differed in style and meaning depending on tribe and regional climate, and how they've evolved over time.

[Sandra Appleby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of culture, family and tradition. The informational nature of the book is bigger than the story line. The combination of the two together make it an interesting read.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read for those interested in learning more about the process of making moccasins. The granddaughter/grandmother relationship is charming.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about a young girl outgrowing her moccasins and how her grandmother made her a new pair, all the while teaching her about making moccasins. Fun intergenerational story!