Review by jeanmtdb -- Sock Lobsters by Michelle Bulriss

jeanmtdb · Post by **jeanmtdb** » 21 Apr 2021, 09:51

[Following is a volunteer review of "Sock Lobsters" by Michelle Bulriss.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Sock Lobsters by Michelle Burliss is a wonderful children’s story about friendship, loss, and emotions. The story begins with Emily’s grandmother and a very special ball of yarn. Emily’s grandmother knits a pair of magical red lobster socks for her. When Emily opens the box her grandmother sent her, the socks begin to speak. The left sock named Sebastian complains about having to be on smelly feet. The right sock, Lola, is happy and wants to make someone’s feet cozy and warm. After wearing the socks, Emily goes to the laundromat to wash the dirty clothes. Lola wants to be friends with Bubbles the cat at the laundromat. After the clothes are clean and dry, Emily puts them back in the basket for the trip home. Unfortunately, Lola falls out of the basket. What happens to Lola? Don't worry! The story has a happy ending.

The author presents many real emotions that children feel. Too often those emotions are downplayed and children are not helped to cope with their feelings. Right from the start, Sebastian and Lola are opposites. Sebastian is a pessimistic, cranky curmudgeon and Lola is a happy, friendly optimist. Despite being so different, they are best friends. When Lola is lost, she feels sad, scared, and angry. Sebastian is worried, angry, and grief-stricken that they are separated. Ms. Burliss helps children recognize those emotions and realize that they are allowed to have them. Lola and Sebastian learn appreciation, gratitude, and devotion. Burliss handles emotions, negative and positive, in a caring and unthreatening way.

I enjoyed the colorful illustrations. The images and the storyline matched perfectly. There was so much opportunity to discuss different emotions and how to cope with them. I appreciated how the author identified the emotions on the pages. I believe that children’s emotions should be acknowledged and given significance. The story moved quickly from Emily’s grandmother deciding to knit the sock to the end of the book. The simple writing style did not talk down to children. The concepts were presented clearly and concisely.

There was nothing I didn’t like about this book. I feel that it is long overdue. Well-adjusted children are better able to cope with their emotions and this book gives credibility and weight to young emotions. I would recommend this book to all adults and children. Everyone can benefit from Sock Lobssters.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars! The content is age-appropriate, enlightening, and empowering for children. Hopefully, Michelle Burliss will write more children’s books that will benefit more children.

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Sock Lobsters
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