Loops by Jashar Awan

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: March 3, 2026
• Reviewed from copy from publisher
• ISBN: 9781665974943

A big kid keeps losing his new shoes because they are too big with room to grow. They just have to be tied really tight. Wanna see how you tie them? They are still learning to do it, but they know they can! Being a big kid doesn’t come all at once, it takes practice. Like learning to swing on the big swings without having to have a push to get started. Whoops! Shoe is untied again. It could take a few tries to get it right. After playing on the slide and the merry-go-round, the shoe is missing again. Where could it be? Then the big kid has one big idea.

Awan once again captures the emotions of a child just learning to do big-kid things. Their inner monologue is wonderful to spend time with as they cheer themselves on and don’t give in to mishaps or mistakes. The title is marvelously on point both with the lace tying and the ending of the book that is very clever and will have you reading the book again. The art is bright and vibrant, inviting children to see the world alongside the young narrator. 

Just right for any big kid wannabe. Appropriate for ages 3-5.