Mr Shaw's Shipshape Shoeshop facts for kids

Mr. Shaw's Shipshape Shoeshop is a fun children's picture book from 1970. It was written by Eve Titus and illustrated by Larry Ross. This book is special because it uses the "sh" sound a lot! It's a charming story about a shoemaker who loves ships.

The Story of Sylvester Shaw

The book tells the tale of Sylvester Shaw. He is a talented shoemaker who runs his own shop in a busy port city. Sylvester isn't alone; he has a clever cat named Shoo-Shoo who helps him out.

Besides making shoes, Sylvester has a big passion: watching ships! Every Wednesday, he closes his shop at noon. He does this so he can go watch the amazing ships sail out of the harbor. His favorite ship is the S. S. Sheba. Sylvester dreams of going on a grand ocean voyage himself. But he doesn't earn enough money from his shoemaking business to make that dream come true.

One day, Sylvester gets some bad news. The city tells him his shop building is old and unsafe. It will be torn down in 30 days! Franklin Flair, who owns a much bigger shoe shop, offers Sylvester a job. Flair's shop is called the Fair-and-Square Shoeshop. Sylvester politely says no because he wants to keep his own business. Flair understands and says the job offer will still be open if Sylvester changes his mind.

While watching ships, Sylvester meets Sailor O'Shea from the Sheba. When the sailor learns Sylvester is a shoemaker, he has an idea. He asks Sylvester to repair the shoes of Captain Shipley, the Sheba's captain. When Sylvester returns the shoes, he gets a special treat. He gets a tour of the Sheba! He's also invited to the ship's party, and to future parties whenever the Sheba is in port.

A Dream Come True

As the month goes by, Sylvester can't find a new building for his shop. With only a few days left, he sadly decides to take Flair's job offer. Flair is very kind. He gives Sylvester a window area in his shop with a great view of the harbor. He even lets Sylvester hang his old shop sign. This way, Sylvester can remember his own business.

Since the Sheba is in port that day, Sylvester visits Captain Shipley. He wants to tell the captain his new work address. Captain Shipley then invites him to another ship's party the very next day. This party happens to be on the same day Sylvester moves his things to Flair's building.

While Flair's helpers are packing up Sylvester's shoemaking tools, Sailor O'Shea arrives. He's there to take Sylvester to the Sheba's party. At the party, Sylvester gets a huge surprise! Flair and Captain Shipley had talked. They both agreed that Sylvester would be happiest running his own business, especially if it was on a ship.

So, Captain Shipley makes a big announcement. He appoints Sylvester as the "Ship's Shoemaker"! Sylvester's entire shoemaking business is moved onto the Sheba. It happens just in time for the Sheba's exciting around-the-world trip!

The story ends with Sylvester and Shoo-Shoo living their dream. They have traveled around the world 10 times! Sylvester's shoemaking business aboard the Sheba is busier than ever.