Kid Review – The World’s Longest Sock – picture book

Law, Juliann. The World’s Longest Sock. New York: WorthyKids, 2022.

Summary

Experience the world’s fiercest knitting competition in this lively book about community, cooperation, and two knitters who are determined to create the world’s longest sock.

In Chile, Nana Nina starts knitting a sock and forgets to stop, and soon it’s won the world record for “Longest Sock”! When Chuck, a lonely lumberman in New Zealand who also happens to be knitting a very long sock, sees Nina’s news on the TV, he is determined to beat her world record. And he does! Thus begins a battle of the knit test to see who can hold onto the world record—for good. The world takes sides: Team Nina or Team Chuck. But will all the pressure cause them to unravel? This yarn about a competition out of control will charm the socks off readers of all ages and knitting abilities.

Purchase The World’s Longest Sock on Amazon

My Review

Kids are often interested in world records. When I was a librarian, I couldn’t keep the Guiness Book of World Records on the shelves. I think The World’s Longest Sock could become a favorite. It tells the fictional story of two knitters in different parts of the world who compete to make the world’s longest sock. I love the solution to this competition.

The one thing I don’t like about the book is the reference to Zombie movies. To me that does not seem appropriate for a book meant for younger elementary children. 

Juliann Law wrote the story and illustrated it. Her illustrations are well-done. The book could be included in a Mock Caldecott competition as it does qualify for the award.

Because of my concern about the reference to Zombies, I cannot recommend The World’s Longest Sock for a k-12 Christian school library. I encourage librarians to read the book and make their own decision about including it in their library. 

I received a complimentary copy of The World’s Longest Sock. This is my honest review.