When I first saw a copy of The Lost Sock by writer and illustrator Gillian Johnson, I assumed it was a children's book, then when I read the press release wondered if it was actually meant for adults. Personally, I don't think it matters as the story works well on both levels.
The odd sock syndrome is one which most families will be familiar with – you start off with a pair and mysteriously one disappears. The main character in the story buys a pair of distinctive striped socks, convinced it will be harder to lose one but after taking them to the launderette the inevitable happens – one of the socks is missing.
In his search for the sock, the man considers buying another pair (sold out) or wearing odd socks (nothing works) before going to bed and having a dream about the universal problem of lost socks (you always lose the sock you love most, says the sockologist) and where they end up ... some in children's playgroups where they make excellent puppets. The man awakes and remembers a poster for a puppet show and low and behold his favourite lost sock is a leading character. A dispute arises with the female puppeteer and it transpires that the man has not only found his sock but also the love of his life.
The illustrations by Gillian Johnson, who also illustrated We're Going on a Bar Hunt by Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd, are charming and really appeal to young children (Harriet was enchanted) as well as an older readership.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Published by Constable, The Lost Sock