Rigo is the youngest brother in a rather large family so he gets his brothers' hand-me-down clothes. Unfortunately for Rigo, the clothes are all worn out by the time he gets them so he tosses a lot in the garbage. Rigo complains to his mother about needing new clothes and she reminds him that clothes aren't cheap.
However, Rigo's mother bought him a brand new pair of loafers for his birthday. Rigo was so excited to go off his new shoes until he was confronted by a bully who wanted the nickels out of them. After the bully snatched the nickels and told Rigo that "nobody wore those kind of stupid shoes," Rigo went home and tossed his shoes in his closet.
When Rigo was invited to a birthday party some time later, he suddenly remembered his shoes. Unfortunately, his shoes no longer fit like they used to. Still, Rigo managed to squeeze his feet in, but after arriving at the party he made up an excuse to take them off.
Later that night, Rigo told his family all about the wonderful party. Then he helped his uncle wash the dishes. While they washed the dishes together, Rigo noticed that his uncle's clothes and shoes were also worn out. The next day, Rigo decided to give his practically new loafers to his uncle as a gift. Although they were hand-me-downs, Rigo's uncle was very happy to receive the shoes. He thanked Rigo and gave him two centavos, which he explained were sort of like hand-me-downs as well. Rigo then decided that he would put the coins in a new pair of shoes one day and he would wear his shoes no matter what people said.
The message of this book is great for young readers. It teaches them that hand-me-downs aren't so bad after all. In fact, what one man considers garbage is another man's treasure. It also teaches readers not to worry about what other people think and to be themselves. Your opinion is what matters most. Don't base your style or actions on what other people believe. ( )

I find that this book taught a valuable lesson that you need to appreciate things that are given to you, even though you may not like them. ( )

"If the Shoe Fits" is about a boy named Rigo who always gets his older brothers' worn out hand-me-downs. On his 9th birthday he gets a brand new pair of fancy shoes, which he soon out grows. He tries to where them to a party, but he only ends up hurting his feet. He decides to give the shoes to his uncle, who loves them even though they are used. Rigo realizes in the end that some hand-me-downs can be even better than brand new! ( )

Great way to teach your kids that having all the new gadgets are not necessarily what brings happiness. ( )

Personal Response:
This story was a cute story of not being ashamed of what you don't have. Once Rigo complained that he kept getting hand me downs and he got new shoes for his birthday. He outgrew the shoes and gave them to his uncle who was proud to wear them even if they were hand me downs. They were new to him.

Curricular or Programming Connections:

Young Children
Values ( )