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Shoestring, the Boy Who Walks on Air

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( 15 ratings, 5 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Shoestring, the Boy Who Walks on Air tells the enchanting tale of a young boy named Shoestring who embarks on a magical journey. As an aspiring high-wire walker, Shoestring discovers hidden secrets and heartwarming friendships along the way. The story combines adventure and fantasy, capturing the wonders of childhood dreams and the power of believing in oneself.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love whimsical tales filled with adventure and imagination. The story invites readers into a world where the impossible becomes possible, centred around a young boy whose dreamlike journey explores themes of courage and friendship, sure to captivate both young and older readers alike.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A gripping illustrated adventure about a travelling circus troupe, a future-telling macaw and a cursed pair of gloves that Shoestring must conquer once and for all. A companion to the award-winning KidGlovz.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
SHORT-LISTED: 2022: Tasmanian Premier's Literary Awards, Prize for Young Readers and Children

'Shoestring loved the sudden intake of breath when he stepped onto the rope. The upturned faces of the audience made him think of coins scattered at his feet, more coins than he had ever taken when he was a pickpocket.'

Twelve-year-old Shoestring is leaving behind his life of crime and starting a new career with the Troupe of Marvels. Their lead performer, he has an invisible tightrope and an act to die for. But trouble is brewing - the magical gloves that caused so much turmoil for KidGlovz are back.

When he's wearing the gloves, the world is at Shoestring's fingertips. It's so easy to help himself to whatever he likes - even other people's hopes and dreams. But when he steals his best friend's mind, he's at risk of losing all he values most.

A thrilling, heart-in-the-mouth adventure of ambition, friendship and the threads that bind from the award-winning creators of KidGlovz.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews highlight Julie Hunt's ability to weave a captivating, magic-filled narrative in Shoestring, the Boy Who Walks on Air, drawing parallels with Philip Pullman's work. The book's adventure, tinged with folklore and a sense of threat, captivates young readers aged 8-12. Enhanced by Dale Newman's illustrations, the book immerses readers in a vivid world, promising to delight both new fans and those familiar with the duo's previous work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760297213

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 June 2020

Country: Australia

Imprint: A&U Children

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Dale Newman

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 164.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 903g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Julie Hunt loves storytelling and traditional folktales. Her stories combine other-worldly elements with down-to-earth humour. She loves travel and is fascinated by landscapes and the tales they inspire. This interest has taken her from the rugged west coast of Ireland to the ice caves of Romania where she collected ideas for her graphic novel, KidGlovz, illustrated by Dale Newman. KidGlovz won the 2016 Queensland Literary Award and her latest novel, Shine Mountain, was shortlisted for the 2019 NSW Premier's Award. She has received many awards and commendations for earlier books, including winning Readings' inaugural Children's Book Prize for Song for a Scarlet Runner in 2014 and the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award for The Coat, illustrated by Ron Brooks, in 2013.

Dale Newman creates images full of mystery, high drama and subtle humour, so her collaboration with Julie Hunt on KidGlovz and Shoestring, the Boy Who Walks on Air has been a natural fit. She has a background in lithography and etching, which brings a love of rendering light and tone to her pencil illustrations. Her distinctive work has appeared on gallery walls, newspapers, magazines and educational books for children. She has also worked extensively as an artist in the youth health sector, and uses these skills in workshops she runs with Julie in schools around Australia. Dale lives with her partner and son and their talkative dog on the NSW south coast. In her spare time she can be found rescuing dilapidated retro chairs from the jaws of the council crunchy truck.

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