Sebastian's Roller Skates by Joan De Deu Prats, illustrated by Francesc Rovira Ages 4-8 32 pages Kane/Miller September 2005 Hardcover     Sebastian is a shy, shy boy, but when he finds a pair of roller skates on a park bench, everything changes. At first, he is quiet and rarely makes eye contact with anyone. Even when he knows the answers to questions at school, he says nothing. But one fateful day, he slips on some skates and soon he is expressing himself more and more, even with total strangers. This award-winning book is all about coming out of your shell, even if it takes some wobbly roller skates to help you along, and author Joan de Deu Prats, who has over 45 children’s books to her credit, sneaks a strong theme of standing up for yourself and being who you are into her delightful story of a little boy we can all relate to. The wonderful illustrations by Spanish artist Francesc Rovina combine colorful line drawings with real images that create a very unique visual backdrop for the story. Sebastian’s Roller Skates is a book that will especially resonate with kids who may be on the shy side, encouraging them to realize that they are worthy of speaking up and strutting their stuff, even if it takes them a while to get their balance.       web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2006 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)