The Shoelace Mission
The Story of Asha and Donato
The Story of Asha and Donato
Santa has a problem. So many children are falling off the Nice List and landing on the Naughty List. This leads to an adventure for two elves, Asha and Donato. But Asha can’t tie her shoelaces so she creates magic shoelaces and that’s where the adventure goes awry.
My children found elves' shoelaces many times during their childhood. It was always an exciting moment when each was discovered. Watching the joy in their faces when they found one and then watching them self examine their previous behaviors was magical.
This book launched in November 2023. When I wrote this book and later had it illustrated, I took special care to make sure many children could see themselves in the book as either an elf or a child. I hope all children connect with at least one character in the book.
REVIEWS
Reviews from Goodreads
"The Shoelace Mission: A Heartwarming Tale from Santa's Workshop"
"Asha and Donato's Shoelace Mission" is an enchanting children's book that beautifully captures the magic of Christmas through the eyes of Santa's endearing elves, Asha and Donato. Authored by Becky Duprey, this delightful tale takes young readers on a whimsical adventure filled with warmth, wonder, and the spirit of giving.
The story follows Asha and Donato, two spirited elves entrusted with a special mission from Santa himself. Their task? To help move children from the naughty to the nice list by stealthily observing and rewarding acts of kindness. However, Asha encounters a hiccup—her perpetually loose shoelaces. This seemingly minor inconvenience leads to adorable mishaps, including her inadvertent exposure while attempting to retrieve them.
What truly sets this book apart is its masterful storytelling and captivating illustrations. The narrative is skillfully crafted, weaving together a heartwarming plot that combines the magic of Christmas with themes of kindness, friendship, and perseverance. Each page is brought to life by breathtaking illustrations that transport readers into the enchanting world of Santa's workshop and the cozy homes of the children.
Moreover, the thoughtful touch of including "shoelaces" for Asha and Donato in the book adds an interactive element, allowing young readers to join in the fun and embark on their own missions of kindness alongside the beloved characters.
"Asha and Donato's Shoelace Mission" is a treasure trove of holiday joy that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about the joy of giving, the importance of kindness, and the magic of believing in the spirit of Christmas. It's a must-read for families seeking to embrace the true meaning of the holiday season.
Duprey has crafted a truly wonderful children's book that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite, spreading joy and warmth for many Christmases to come.
Teresa Monico
Read
I am truly inspired after reading “ The Shoelace Mission “ . It is a wonderful Christmas story for children as well as grownups! It reminded me of when I was a young child , trying to be good and not get on the naughty list! I highly recommend this beautifully written and illustrated children’s book to all ages. It is a beautiful book and I enjoyed reading it.
Donald Kerr
Reviews from Amazon
The author has hit a homerun with her first childrens book! A marvelous and endearing story told in a way that not only entertains but also teaches great family values. A truly warm-hearted story line that showcases children from a wide variety of diversity. Simple and colorful illustrations are included, that tell the story of the importance of being on Santa's Nice list! Written with a fresh and fun way to remind we children of all ages, how best to do that! Simply perfect for the holidays or anytime of the year!
Michael B
Better Than Elf on the Shelf!!!
Incredible story to promote good behavior in a fun and memorable way. It is a brand new tradition that we will continue in our household!!! Every household needs this book!
Amazon Customer
Yule be sorry if you don't treat your"elf" to this amazing Christmas book. I truly believe this story could become the next Elf on the Shelf. It has just the right amount of magic, and has a message worth melting over. The illustrations are picture perfect and I adore how everyone can see themselves in this book. I'm simply s'mitten over this book and I'll definitely be grabbing a copy for everyone on my nice list.
Kara
I loved this story. It is captivating. When read to children young and old, it holds their attention. Full of magic and somehow manages to teach a great lesson all at the same time!
Bird watcher
What a beautiful story. We enjoyed very much. This is a keeper for our collection and a great stocking stuffer. I know we will be reading many times during the holiday.
Nat
Such a fun book with wonderful elements of inclusion!
This story is so fun! What a great way to get children excited for Christmas. The story is well written and engaging.
I loved the illustrations too. The fact that the children and elves are so diverse is beautiful! There are many ethnicities, an elf in a wheel chair, a child with one leg, and I think there was even an elf with a hearing aid!! What a great way to include all people.
I want to buy the hard copy now.
Tracy
When I heard this book was out, I couldn’t wait to read it! I opted for the Kindle edition! I have pre ordered 2 hard copies! One copy for “me” and one for my classroom! It is an absolutely precious holiday gift! Thank you for sharing your story!
Tina E
Charming Tale for Children of All Ages
In her first children’s book, Becky Duprey has struck a chord that will resonate with all children. So sweet to use a skill that most children struggle to master - the tying of shoelaces - and pair this with the challenge to be good always…delightful story to be shared with the very young and the forever-young! Highly recommend!!
Amazon Customer
This book was well-written and the illustrations are terrific! I love the concept of the shoelaces being left for the children to know they were visited by the elves for them to make sure they were behaving. Interesting story with great illustrations!
Amazon Customer
I love this story. The story was captivating and kept me interested. But also the illustrations were excellent. I love that the elves were multiracial, like many families are. The story was convincing and delightful.
Laurie A. Marceau-Smith
A Definite For My Christmas List
The book was very engaging. Even as an adult, I wanted to hurry up and find out how the two main characters made out.
I can see lots of ribbons on Christmas trees this year!
Jennifer Stevenson
This is a great book to bring out and read to the children as the Christmas season begins! Children will love it! I highly recommend this book.
Nancy Lafaver
What a wonderful story ! Well written and illustrated, I really enjoyed it. I will be purchasing one to read to my new grandson at Christmastime.
Hockeymom