NY TIMES REVIEW - Smouha and Marton wring genuine suspense and edgy humor out of this clever, colorful tale.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: This whimsical but touching story is told entirely through speech bubbles and pattern-laced, mixed-media pop art. The illustrator simulated the look and feel of the clothes and washer by using charcoals to add texture and by placing sound effects around the edges of the machine. Ultimately, this is a story about how two twins (or close siblings) change in different ways and learn to accept that this doesn't affect their bond. VERDICT A fun format for teaching those just entering school that change isn't necessarily a terrible thing.
IBBY UK REVIEW DR. LINA IORDANAKI: This brilliant picture book can spark thought-provoking conversations on the nature of human relationships, belonging and identity in a comic way. Reading it from a different perspective, it can even raise questions about homosexuality and diversity. The story is supported fantastically by Eleonora Marton's crayon illustrations and vibrant colours. Artistic highlight: the front cover with its round hole creatively resembles a washing machine.
KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW: A big round hole in the front cover invites readers to join the tumbling twosome in their exhilarating romp. In the simply drawn, brightly hued illustrations, Marton dabs simple faces onto the tumbling, rumpled laundry, presenting the all-dialogue narrative and the clunks and gurgles of the washing cycles in block letters and adding hands and a flash of elbow, both pink, as the only signs of human agency. A well-knit tale of textile togetherness.
HORN BOOK: Everything about this British import works--from the humorous, original story; to the relatable, endearing main characters; to the valuable and organically delivered message. The comics-style presentation--all dialogue and sound effects--makes everything feel fresh and dynamic; and the ink, charcoal, and mixed-media illustrations, in a riot of bright colors on saturated pages, are as exuberant as our forever-matched pair.
LCN REVIEW: Not only is the book a great visual and storytelling experience, it is guaranteed to appeal to textile care people, whichever the sector - and whatever their ages. Sock Story tells the tale of a pair of socks, Phil and Dale, who become separated in the wash and follows the trials and tribulations they have to endure before they are reunited. Since reading this book I have been much more careful about pairing socks at home. This book will appeal to adults and children alike and really is a tour de force in endearing story telling as well as being a steal at just GBP9.95.
READ IT DADDY: The first thing we loved about this book was the bright and colourful illustrations, full of character and fun. The second thing is the fact that the story is told largely through dialogue, like a comic strip - which actually makes it really fun to read aloud (particularly if I read Phil's bits and C reads Dale's parts). The book is gorgeously presented, fabulous for younger readers (and a good sturdy book at that, important when you're reading it to littlies who love dribbling on and chewing books!)
THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW - A wonderfully charming and original picture book story with a valued underlying message concerning differences brought about by change, 'Sock Story' is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages 3- 8.
THE AOI REVIEW: Written by C K Smouha and illustrated by Eleonora Marton, the text is bold, bright, and the crayon style illustrations seize the attention immediately. The comic book format makes it quick paced and the plot works in elements of identity, belonging and friendship. Marton's illustrations are almost overwhelming in palette and composition, but are engaging in their sheer friendliness, and half of the fun of the book will be in the excitement generated through the personification of the set of clothing that Marton has created. The stylistic naivete that has been harnessed is also instantly accessible to children, and easily replicated, making Sock Story a sure favourite and an influence on their own early creative output.
KIDLY REVIEW: This story solves all the mystery over the sock that always goes missing in the wash. We love how it's fun for both kids and adults. This is a great book that will last for years to come.
