Purchase to Support Our Program

“Deedy draws upon childhood memories to weave a touching testament to family bonds grounded in immigrant experiences….Gal’s effervescent illustrations boast solid pencil and ink linework and gorgeous blends of watercolors, to rich results. A tender look at family, near and far.”
—Kirkus Reviews

New Shoes for Leo

Written by Lauren Agra Agra Deedy
Illustrated by Susan Gal
Published by Scholastic, Inc.

Debut Cuban-American author Lauren Agra Deedy and award-winning artist Susan Gal join forces in this charming, heartfelt picture book story about an immigrant family—and their love and caring for family they left behind.William’s Mami and his Tía Ana are busy packing a big box of food, medicine, and clothing to mail to their family living in Cuba.

But something important is missing.

They have no zapatos, no shoes, to send Cousin Leo!

“Which cousin is Leo?” William asks.

Tía Ana answers him with a thin paper tracing of Leo’s footprint. She nudges him out the door to find someone in the family with spare shoes in Leo’s size. But finding shoes for Leo is not as easy as it seems.

With warmth and tenderness, Lauren Agra Deedy and Susan Gal have created a rich, colorful story of a tight-knit family — and the love that grows as they care for those living far away.

Primary ISBN: 9781338770216
Publication Date: March 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Miami, FL)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Creator Introduction