The Sock Thief by Ana Crespo Book Review

The Sock Thief by Ana Crespo
Illustrations by Nana Gonzales
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Release Date: March 1, 2015

Felipe is a sock thief, pilfering the brightly colored foot covers as he makes his way through the neighborhood on his way to school. In exchange he leaves behind little presents for those who are now missing a sock. What could a boy want with so many socks though? Then, with a few knots and some rolling, Felipe turns the socks into a soccer ball. In the end, the neighbors don't seem to mind so much. In fact, some may be leaving their socks out on purpose, either in hopes of a treat or to simply help a group of kids play their games.

As a former poor kid, I have to say, poverty helps children come up with some pretty unique ways of playing. Here is one boy's story of ingenuity when faced with the absence of something they need. I have heard of kids around the world playing soccer with everything from rag balls to tin cans. It is truly a sport that doesn't require much, but seems to open up a world of fun and athleticism to kids like Felipe.

I also loved the international setting (Brazil) as well as the Portuguese language, as a way to show how children play and create all around the world. The illustrations with their bright color palate are perfect for the book, with plenty to look at.