Bessie Boot
Never Judge a Boot by Its Cover.
by
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There once was a beautiful little girl named Lauren. Lauren was 7 years old and was smart, funny, and loved going to school. She would spend all day there learning lots of fun things and playing with her friends. But this story is not about Lauren. This story is about Lauren’s shoes. You see, when Lauren went to school her many different shoes came alive! They would talk, play, and go on adventures, all while Lauren was busy at school. Lauren had been asking for new cowboy boots to add to her large shoe collection. Finally, on her 7th birthday she got her very first pair. Lauren’s other shoes were nervous about their new roommate. Would she be nice? Mean? Quiet? LOUD? Where did she come from? What would she like to do? “I heard she is from Texas,” said Silly Sneaker. “I heard she is a girly-girl,” said Frannie Flip-Flop. “I heard she talks funny,” said Buddy Boot. “I already don’t like her,” said Silly Sneaker. “What do you think Sleepy Slipper?... Sleepy Slipper??” “OH NO!!! Where is Sleepy Slipper?” Silly asked. “I hope he wasn’t taken from under the bed and chewed by… CHEWY!” “AAAHHHHH!” cried the shoes. Chewy was the mysterious monster that would often enter Lauren’s room while she was at school. Chewy had been known for rummaging through Lauren’s closet and grabbing shoes - only leaving his drool and a sparkle from a shoe! Chewy the Monster was the reason why all of Lauren’s shoes were mismatched and the pairs never stayed together! He was also the reason why the shoes rarely left the closet. “Chewy is a monster! He steals shoes and they disappear to his cave on the other side of the door,” said Buddy Boot. Just then, the closet door opened and a shoe came flying in. The door slammed back shut and the shoes heard the sound of Lauren’s footsteps running down the stairs. “It sounds like Lauren is home from school – and Sleepy Slipper is MISSING!” said Frannie. “Hello everyone,” said a strange voice from the back of the closet. “Hello?” said all the shoes. “My Name is Bessie Boot! I’m new here. How are Y’all?” “Y’ALL??” said Buddy Boot. “You talk funny. Besides, we don’t have time to talk to the new shoe. We have got to find Sleepy Slipper.” “Is your friend missing?” asked Bessie. “Maybe I can help?” “You? You want to help?” asked Silly. “You’re just a girly boot that talks funny – how can you help?” “Well, why don’t you give me a chance?” asked Bessie Boot. “You should never judge a boot by its cover! I can help you find your friend.”
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About the Book
Join Bessie Boot and her shoe friends as they discover the world and learn about diversity and acceptance of all kinds of shoes. The shoes come alive as their seven-year-old owner goes off to school each day. The shoes explore their surroundings while learning about each other. As the characters embrace different colors, styles, origins, accents, and genders, readers will relate to real-life diversity they may encounter. Readers will be inspired to embrace all walks of life and to “Never judge a boot by its cover.” The inspiration of Bessie’s adventures comes from the author’s young daughter who has an extensive collection of very different shoes. The two would invent creative stories and imagine what happens when no one is around while talking about the importance of accepting others. Together, the pair now work as an author/illustrator team.
About the Author
Marc Tracey lives in New Jersey with his wife and daughter. Marc graduated from Marist College and later earned his master’s degree in communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Marc has a passion for storytelling and graphic design that has culminated in his first published book, “Betty Boot.” Marc works as a team with his ten-year-old daughter, Lauren, to develop new and fun adventures for Betty Boot and her friends. The idea for the book began when Lauren was just five years old. The two would invent stories about Lauren’s extensive shoe collection and imagine what happens when no one is around. Lauren now creates the artwork for the characters while Marc authors the stories they invent.