Shoeshine Whittaker

by Helen Ketteman

Book Overview

The demanding people of Mudville test an ingenious shoeshine man. Shoeshine Whittaker thinks on his feet-and comes through in the end, in this illustrated tall-tale of the old West from the creators... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802787142
• ISBN13: 9780802787149
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Walker & Company
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.8" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Shoeshine Whittaker is a fun read!

Scott Goto's illustrations caught my eye on this book. I enjoy this artist's engaging, in-your-face perspective.Mudville is an ideal place for a traveling shoeshiner right? In the beginning, yes! It's when the folks of Mudville take Shoeshine Whittaker's blithe guarantee seriously that the trouble begins. A muddy mob isn't a pretty sight!Can't say I agree with Shoeshine Whittaker's solution to his problem, still, it's a funny teaching lesson about keeping one's word, being taken literally, doing your job well & earning a righteous living. Should get families talking! For my full review do check out[ my website].

Good Story, Very Good Illustrations

Similar to Dr. Seuss' "The Sneetches", only instead of removing stars, the main character in this story (Shoeshine Whittaker) starts out by selling shoeshines. Set in the old, wild-west, Shoeshine Whittaker rides his wagon into dirty Mudville and smells opportunity in shining the townspeoples' shoes. But Whittaker finds himself in trouble since the townspeoples' shoes won't stay shiny. He then proceeds to clean the town. But, the townspeople are then upset because the shiny town is hurting their eyes! The clever Whittaker figures his way out of trouble, and leaves with a pot full of money.Interesting Story for 3-8 year-olds that will leave children amused.

Great story and Great illustrations

My children just loved this book. laughed and laughed. Want me to read it to them every night. We have all of Helen ketteman's books, and this one is as good as the others.