LOOPS—in stores now!

A Kids' Indie Next pick!

Mar 03, 2026

Loops is in stores today! This book isn’t just about shoe tying—it’s about the importance of practice and allowing yourself to make mistakes and try again. There will be setbacks as you learn anything, but it’s all part of the process. As our protagonist says, “It’s okay—I’m still learning!”

I hope you enjoy it.

Kids’ Indie Next

Loops is on the Kids’ Indie Next list for March/April ‘26! The American Booksellers Association has (as always) put together a incredible list. Also included are new books from Kevin Henkes, Esmé Shapiro, Mac Barnett (2x!! One book with Shawn Harris and one with Carson Ellis), and more!

Here’s what booksellers are saying about Loops:

“Adorable! I love a bright, can-do book that addresses the reader directly, and this also has a delightfully clever time-loop twist! A shoe-tying how-to, a primer on perseverance, and a celebration of growth and change.” – Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle, WA)
“Jashar has done it again! He’s truly an expert at capturing those particular childhood snapshots in a way that’s equally endearing to the adult and empowering the child’s sense of self. The callback at the end of the story and incorporation of the endpapers is brilliant!” – Kristina Rivero, Books Are Magic (Brooklyn, NY)
“Being a Big Kid is a Big Deal, and tying shoes is one of the biggest Big Kid milestones. Cleverly illustrated and told from the kiddo’s point of view, there are plenty of treats throughout the pages for discovery and delight.”
– Carrie Koepke, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO

How to dress like a kid learning to tie his shoes

I talked to Carly Martin about LOOPS, WHERE I GREW, and some formative picture books from my childhood. Check out her “Through the Looking Glass” buyer’s guide round-up!

Read the interview here

More praise for LOOPS

★“Awan has again offered a warm little pocket of the world where a child is loved, respected, protected, and confident.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

“Cleverly draws connections between ‘learning to be a big kid’ and never giving up—life lessons worth learning.” – Kirkus (read full review here)

“I’m obsessed with LOOPS! It is so much fun. I’m going to be a guest reader in some early elementary classrooms during reading month, and I can’t wait to share LOOPS with them.” – Colby Sharp

“Move over tired ‘congratulations’ books; Jashar Awan has given us the next best book to give anyone trying something new or facing a transition…I can’t wait for you to read this one.” – Clarkie Doster

“While [Loops] serves as an excellent primer on shoe tying (complete with a step-by-step diagram), it’s also a book about perseverance and positive self-talk. And the ending? I loved it.”– megan ashton

One of BookPage's Most Anticipated Books of 2026
One of Literary Hub's Most Anticipated Books of 2026

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