HECTOR'S NEW SNEAKERS

Hector is mortified: his birthday sneakers look and feel fine, but—instead of the all-important soccer insignia—this cheaper pair sports gold stars. His friends do tease; but after three huge bullies (even more fearsome in their studded jackets because these characters are all crocodiles) try to steal the sneakers, and school-hero Leroy skateboards by just in time to trounce them, it turns out that Leroy's new sneakers have stars, too—which precipitates a sudden change in brand loyalties. This British import is purposive, but the appealing, cartoony crocs will draw readers, while the brisk, good-natured dialogue keeps the story moving. Whether peer-driven shoe-freaks will swallow the message is a question; they're mostly older than the target audience, but it's well worth a try—and amusing to see that this problem is international. (Picture book. 4-8)