Here are 100 books that The Shoelace Box fans have personally recommended if you like The Shoelace Box. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of The Shoe Tie Hoedown: A Fun Way to Tie Your Shoes

Sybrina Durant Author Of Boo's Shoes - A Rabbit And Fox Story: Learn To Tie Shoelaces

From my list on learning to tie bows and nooses.

Why am I passionate about this?

A long, long time ago I needed to learn how to tie a noose. Not really! It was a necktie, which lots of people feel is like wearing a noose. I tried to find a book on the subject but there were none so I wrote one. That little exercise developed into my Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox Series of books. I’ve been creating children’s picture books to show how to tie ties, bows and shoelaces for the past 30 years. You can find all of my books plus learn to tie books by lots of other authors at The Rabbit and The Fox Book Store.

Sybrina's book list on learning to tie bows and nooses

Sybrina Durant Why Sybrina loves this book

What a title for a book! I love it and the concept within. Learning to tie should be fun and what could be more fun than learning to tie your shoelaces and then getting up to do a jig. Plus a smiling fiddle player and happy dancers on each page are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. Most importantly, this book was written by a doctor so parents can feel safe following his instructions.

By Charles Page ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Shoe Tie Hoedown as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn a fun way--step by step-- to tie your shoes while dancing to an old fashioned Hoe Down.


If you love The Shoelace Box...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Book cover of My First Book of Knots: A Beginner's Picture Guide (180 Color Illustrations)

Sybrina Durant Author Of Boo's Shoes - A Rabbit And Fox Story: Learn To Tie Shoelaces

From my list on learning to tie bows and nooses.

Why am I passionate about this?

A long, long time ago I needed to learn how to tie a noose. Not really! It was a necktie, which lots of people feel is like wearing a noose. I tried to find a book on the subject but there were none so I wrote one. That little exercise developed into my Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox Series of books. I’ve been creating children’s picture books to show how to tie ties, bows and shoelaces for the past 30 years. You can find all of my books plus learn to tie books by lots of other authors at The Rabbit and The Fox Book Store.

Sybrina's book list on learning to tie bows and nooses

Sybrina Durant Why Sybrina loves this book

This is a great book for children who really get into the idea of learning more about tying lots of different kinds of knots. Knots are used in fishing, camping, ranching, farming, and more. That is a concept I try to get across to children in my own books. Once you master one type of knot the rest come easier and so opens the door to many more fun activities.

By Berndt Sundsten , Jan Jäger ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My First Book of Knots as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Create memories and embark on the journey of knot tying together. Learn how to tie knots you can use in fishing, camping, ranching, farming, and more.

What is more memorable than a child first learning to tie his shoes? Or wrapping his first Christmas presents? Knots aren't easy to learn, but they are very helpful-whether you are five years old, ten years old, or even fifty years old. Here is a children's picture book that will help parent and child learn together by simplifying the craft and bringing the reader into the world of knots through beautiful, detailed illustrations. My…


Book cover of The Adventures of Coach and Little Dell: My First Tie

Sybrina Durant Author Of Boo's Shoes - A Rabbit And Fox Story: Learn To Tie Shoelaces

From my list on learning to tie bows and nooses.

Why am I passionate about this?

A long, long time ago I needed to learn how to tie a noose. Not really! It was a necktie, which lots of people feel is like wearing a noose. I tried to find a book on the subject but there were none so I wrote one. That little exercise developed into my Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox Series of books. I’ve been creating children’s picture books to show how to tie ties, bows and shoelaces for the past 30 years. You can find all of my books plus learn to tie books by lots of other authors at The Rabbit and The Fox Book Store.

Sybrina's book list on learning to tie bows and nooses

Sybrina Durant Why Sybrina loves this book

This is the only other picture book, besides my own, that I’ve been able to find for learning how to tie a necktie. It is a sweet story about a father figure coach who teaches a fatherless boy an art on manhood. I love books that teach values along with practical things so I had to place this story on my list.

By Tanae Denean Eskridge , Brandon M. Frame , Armond Hill (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Adventures of Coach and Little Dell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

My First Tie is a wonderful story of a young boy sharing his experience learning how to tie his very first tie. The authors give us an inside scoop into the mind of a young boy seeking to mature and learn new things. Who knew learning to tie a tie would teach us the importance of honesty and telling the truth. We are also introducing a positive black male character to children's literature. Coach is a fixer, a teacher, a motivator, a mentor, and all-around great guy. My First Tie is the second book in a wonderful children's book series,…


If you love Elizabeth Winthrop...

Book cover of A Forgivable Indecision

A Forgivable Indecision by Shawn Jennings,

In 1913, a 15-year-old pregnant girl was found dead of apparent suicide. Dr. James Wilson, a new graduate and the first doctor ever to start a practice in this rural town, feels guilty over her death because of his delayed intervention.

He knows Bessie was raped by one of her…

Book cover of The Geeky Guys' Guide to Tying Your Shoelaces

Sybrina Durant Author Of Boo's Shoes - A Rabbit And Fox Story: Learn To Tie Shoelaces

From my list on learning to tie bows and nooses.

Why am I passionate about this?

A long, long time ago I needed to learn how to tie a noose. Not really! It was a necktie, which lots of people feel is like wearing a noose. I tried to find a book on the subject but there were none so I wrote one. That little exercise developed into my Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox Series of books. I’ve been creating children’s picture books to show how to tie ties, bows and shoelaces for the past 30 years. You can find all of my books plus learn to tie books by lots of other authors at The Rabbit and The Fox Book Store.

Sybrina's book list on learning to tie bows and nooses

Sybrina Durant Why Sybrina loves this book

Everyone who knows me knows I’m partial to rabbits and foxes and cute little woodland creatures in instructional children's picture books. This book doesn’t have any of that stuff in it. In fact, it doesn’t even have any demonstrations! But it is an interesting book and it’s full of mathematical equations that geeks love. The author Lord Falcon Redclaw Hamstercuddles gives lots of hard, solid data that he promises will have you tying laces like a pro. Lord Falcon Redclaw Hamstercuddles? What kind of name is that? Well, it’s not his real name. Whatever that is will forever remain a mystery.

By Lord Falcon Redclaw Hamstercuddles ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Geeky Guys' Guide to Tying Your Shoelaces as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ok. So most people know how to tie their shoes. And some people don’t. And if you’re reading these lines, right now, you either belong to the latter group, or you care an awful lot about someone who does.

You are not alone.

Thousands of adults can’t tie their shoelaces, or can’t get the laces to stay tied. If you’re one of them, then you’ve likely had dozens of people show you how it’s done, and if you have to listen to one more helpful explanation involving bunny ears or rabbits diving into holes, you’re likely to explode. You’re sick…


Book cover of The Mezzanine

Alberto Balengo Author Of Minor Sketches and Reveries

From my list on contemplating and appreciating laziness.

Why am I passionate about this?

The last story in my collection is a 13,000-word contemplation about laziness (titled "Indolence: Notebooks"). Of course, paradoxically, to write about laziness (or read about it) is to succumb to it. Diligence is often paired with "virtue" or determination. But I've been fascinated with the flip side; what are the positive aspects of inaction, procrastination, or daydreaming? Some people always try to look and stay busy, while others avoid work shamelessly at all costs.

True Story: after an exhausting day teaching classes at an overseas college, I looked out my window and saw two shepherds seated comfortably against a tree, yawning as they watched their sheep grazing in the field. Ahh, what price civilization!? 

Alberto's book list on contemplating and appreciating laziness

Alberto Balengo Why Alberto loves this book

Nothing much seems to happen in this remarkable novella, which describes a single lunch break of a man at work.

Actually, though, the reader gets to eavesdrop on the man’s ruminations about everyday things—shoelaces, bathroom blow dryers, vending machines, office supplies, and so much more.

These ruminations are practically Proustian; they start with something ordinary (a milk carton), followed by a digression (memories of having milk delivered to his home), interrupted by another digression (about his sister’s milk allergy), and veering into philosophical territory (pondering the nature of all childhood memories).

Reading this novella is both exhausting and exhilarating. It’s like wandering haphazardly through a maze of ideas and memories. Luckily, the novella is short enough that the reader never grows bored or tired.

By Nicholson Baker ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Mezzanine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Mezzanine is the story of one man's lunch hour. Pondering life's littlest questions - why does one shoelace always wear out before the other? Whatever happened to the paper drinking straw - our narrator interrogates the inner-workings of corporate living as he traipses his way down escalators to the first floor and through the mundaneness of office life.

Mixing humour with the existentialism that surrounds all our working lives, The Mezzanine is a classic work of modern American literature.


Book cover of Hood

Katie Ward Author Of The Pretender

From my list on YA inspired by classic fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a real love of classic fiction and my first novel The Pretender is a modern-day adaptation of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper. I discovered this story as a child when a relative gave me a copy to read on the journey home from Scotland. While aspects of the story are frequently copied, the essence of the original novel felt forgotten. It’s such a beautiful story with many of the themes still relevant today that I decided to adapt it so a modern audience could rediscover and fall in love with it all over again. As an author, I draw a lot of inspiration from the classics.

Katie's book list on YA inspired by classic fiction

Katie Ward Why Katie loves this book

As an archery enthusiast, I always feel a bit Maid Marian when I’m practicing with my bow and arrow! This historical YA reimagining of Robin Hood gives a new perspective on one of our most beloved childhood tales. However, it doesn’t focus on Robin as we’d expect but instead on his teenage daughter as she flees the clutches of King John in search of the father she has never known. Finding herself forced into a world of criminals to search for safety. This is a great adaptation and gives the story a whole new angle which makes it feel brand-new yet still features the beloved characters we’d wish to see. I love that this book allows you to rediscover such a classic story all over again!

By Jenny Moke ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hood as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Marien and Robin Hood's daughter must join the Merry Men to save her parents.


If you love The Shoelace Box...

Book cover of USS OBAMA 2130

USS OBAMA 2130 by John. H Sibley,

Voyager 1 was launched on September 5, 1977, and Voyager 2 was launched on August 20, 1977. Both began a historic journey with unique 'time capsules' on board intended to communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials. The Voyager message is carried by a phonograph record 12-inch gold-plated disk…

Book cover of Havah: The Story of Eve

Stephanie Landsem Author Of The Tomb: A Novel of Martha

From my list on bringing women of the Bible to life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a writer who has traveled the world in real life and traveled through time in my research and imagination. In the past dozen years, I’ve researched historical women of the Bible for my own novels and have come to realize that women of the ancient world were much like women of today. Biblical women had dreams and fell in love. They worried about their children, politics, and the world around them. They wished for security and happiness just as we do. I have a special regard for historical fiction that brings these ancient women to life—honoring their lives and their struggles.

Stephanie's book list on bringing women of the Bible to life

Stephanie Landsem Why Stephanie loves this book

After reading this imaginative story, I never thought of Eve in the same way again. Havah is a stunning depiction of the first woman—one created, not born. Tosca Lee takes us on an original journey into the life, choices, and emotions of the first woman. It is a story of sin, but more than that, it is a story of creative love and the gift of free will. This story allows us to sympathize with Havah, and even ask ourselves what we might have done in her place. Enthralling and inspiring!

By Tosca Lee ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Havah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of I, Judas

Kristi Saare Duarte Author Of The Holy Conspiracy

From my list on the lives of Jesus’s disciples.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been curious about the human being behind the Christ character. Too often, Jesus is referred to as a judgmental bully who will save only His followers and let everyone else burn in hell. If He were divine, wouldn’t He love everyone? On a trip to India, I discovered a book called The Secret Life of Jesus Christ, and my passion was born. I’ve written two novels about Jesus and His disciples based on more than fifty reference books, ancient scrolls, and the most authentic historical scriptures about the era. I hope you enjoy my list of the best alternative fiction about Jesus and His disciples!

Kristi's book list on the lives of Jesus’s disciples

Kristi Saare Duarte Why Kristi loves this book

I couldn’t put this book down! Anything Judas, in my mind, is interesting. I believe Judas is the most misunderstood of all the disciples, and this novel does a great job of telling the story from his own perspective.
Written in 1977, it was definitely ahead of its time. It was published shortly after a papyrus document called the Gospel of Judas was discovered near Beni Mazar in Egypt.

Although the novel confirmed some of what I already knew about Judas—e.g., that he was more of a victim than a villain—I also learned a lot about the politics and daily life of the era Jesus and the disciples lived in. This novel is truly remarkable, and Taylor Caldwell is one of the best writers I have ever read.

By Taylor Caldwell , Jess Stearn ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I, Judas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?


From a #1 New York Times–bestselling author: The story of Judas Iscariot—and the stunning betrayal that changed the course of history.
 
One of the great dramas of the biblical era is brought to thrilling new life in this epic novel told from the unique perspective of Judas Iscariot himself. This is the story of Judas the myth, condemned by Dante to the most terrifying circle of Hell; Judas the man, the son of wealth and power who fought to suppress the lusts of the flesh and the sin of pride to become one of the twelve original disciples of…


Book cover of God's Monsters: Vengeful Spirits, Deadly Angels, Hybrid Creatures, and Divine Hitmen of the Bible

Brandon R. Grafius Author Of Lurking Under the Surface: Horror, Religion, and the Questions that Haunt Us

From my list on horror and religion.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a fan of horror since I got sucked into Scooby-Doo as a three-year-old. When I started my academic career, I kind of kept that passion tucked inside as something to be embarrassed about – after all, I wanted to do serious work, and horror movies aren’t serious, right? Graduate school made me rethink that assumption, and pushed me towards seriously considering the engagement of horror and religion. I wrote my dissertation on a chapter of the Book of Numbers as a slasher narrative, and I haven’t looked back since.

Brandon's book list on horror and religion

Brandon R. Grafius Why Brandon loves this book

Hamori is a fantastic biblical scholar, whose work on divination is standard in the field.

In this book, she turns her attention to monsters, and makes the provocative argument that the biblical forces of good are just as monstrous as the forces of evil. It’s a fascinating way to unsettle what we think we know, and shake up the binary thinking that so often controls how we perceive the world around us.

By Esther J. Hamori ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked God's Monsters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Bible is teeming with monsters. Giants tromp through the land of milk and honey; Leviathan swims through the wine-dark sea. A stunning array of peculiar creatures, mind-altering spirits, and supernatural hitmen fill the biblical heavens, jarring in both their strangeness and their propensity for violence--especially on God's behalf.

Traditional interpretations of the creatures of the Bible have sanded down their sharp, unsavory edges, transforming them into celestial beings of glory and light--or chubby, happy cherubs. Those cherubs? They're actually hybrid guardian monsters, more closely associated with the Egyptian sphinx than with flying babies. And the seraphim? Winged serpents sent…


If you love Elizabeth Winthrop...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of Eden

Chad Pettit Author Of Beyond Eden

From my list on bringing the Bible to life with realistic settings.

Why am I passionate about this?

I read my first novel when I was seven and wrote my first full story when I was eight. I’ve never stopped putting words to paper. Along with a passion for reading and writing, I’ve always been an all or nothing kind of person. When I want to know something, I dig and research until I know everything I can, which is exactly what I did when my eyes were opened to the spiritual warfare going on all around us. I’ve lost count of how many dozens of times I’ve read the Bible. I’ve since devoted myself to marrying my passions to develop suspense-filled stories with intense looks into the spiritual realm.  

Chad's book list on bringing the Bible to life with realistic settings

Chad Pettit Why Chad loves this book

As a writer of fantasy fiction, I know the importance of asking the “what if” questions.

And, as a reader of the Bible, I often read scripture and wonder what life was really like for some of the people, what they felt like, or what drove them to do the things they did. That’s why I love a well-written biblical fiction novel, and Eden is the perfect book to feed my often-insatiable curiosity.

Brennan McPherson is the perfect fit for a job like this. His understanding of the Bible and the intricacies of human nature give him the ability to bring us a unique look into the lives of people like Adam and Eve.

Imagining the life of Adam and Eve was at the center of the story of my novel. More importantly, this story personalized Earth’s first couple and made me evaluate my relationship with God.    

By Brennan S. McPherson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Eden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"You want me to tell of how I broke the world." 

It's the year 641 since the beginning of the everything, and when Eve passes away, she leaves Adam the only man on earth who remembers everything since they walked in Eden. 

When Enoch, God's newly appointed prophet, decides to collect the stories of the faithful from previous generations, he finds Adam in desperate need to confess the dark secrets he's held onto for too long. 

Beside a slowly burning bonfire in the dead of night, Adam tells his story in searing detail. From the beginning of life, to how…


Book cover of The Shoe Tie Hoedown: A Fun Way to Tie Your Shoes
Book cover of My First Book of Knots: A Beginner's Picture Guide (180 Color Illustrations)
Book cover of The Adventures of Coach and Little Dell: My First Tie

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Bible, French travel, and presidential biography?

The Bible 396 books
French Travel 42 books