I’m so excited to be part of the blog tour for Step Into My Shoes, written by Alkisti Halikia and beautifully illustrated by Fotini Tikkou. This delightful picture book tells the story of Matou, a little girl whose curiosity about the lives of others helps her develop a deeper understanding of empathy in a fun and imaginative way.
What’s It About?
Matou walks by a mosque every day on her way home from school, and she’s fascinated by the shoes people leave outside. She can’t resist trying them on, and as she steps into each pair, she starts imagining what the wearers’ lives might be like. Maybe one belongs to a doctor, or another to a teacher. Her imagination runs wild as she envisions all sorts of scenarios!
But when Matou’s mum has to work late one day, leaving Matou feeling frustrated and let down, she starts to wonder if “stepping into her mum’s shoes” might help her understand her mother’s situation a little better. This literal journey into empathy makes Matou realise that everyone—including her mum—has their own struggles, and maybe she can be more understanding as a result.
What I Loved:
I love how Alkisti Halikia has taken the common phrase “to step into someone’s shoes” and turned it into a charming story that kids can really connect with. Matou’s curiosity and imagination are so relatable, and the way the story handles the theme of empathy is both fun and meaningful. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the idea that everyone has their own unique experiences and challenges.
And oh, the illustrations! Fotini Tikkou’s art is stunning and full of life. She brings Matou’s imaginative world to life with delicate colours and warm tones that perfectly match the emotions of the story. Each page is filled with lovely details that will keep young readers engaged as they explore Matou’s journey through the different shoes she tries on.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is perfect for sparking conversations about empathy and understanding others, both at home and in the classroom. Matou’s story is a reminder that sometimes, when we feel frustrated or misunderstood, it helps to try and see things from someone else’s perspective. It’s an important message for children to learn, especially as they begin navigating relationships and emotions.
