“Hunter Thomas and the Smelly Old Shoe,” a middle-grade novel by Sky-Hi News reporter Meg Soyars Van Hauen, will entice readers both young and old. Although it is aimed primarily at readers ages eight to 13, the humor, adventure and intrigue supply an a captivating energy anyone could relate to. Writing with the pen name M.V. Soyars, the author shows a keen pen and apt storytelling ability in her first novel whch was published in 2013.

The story follows 12-year-old protagonist Hunter Thomas and his 13-year-old sister Lorraine as she attempts to seek adventure and include Hunter in her escapades. The heart of the tale revolves around a strange, old shoe that the siblings find in a mysterious antique store. The kids believe it is magic and buy it from the shopkeeper.

After Lorraine eagerly to move herself from her bedroom to the backyard, they learn that their neighbor, Mrs. Hamilton, is missing. During their detective work to locate her, they enter her house and are caught by her husband who suspects them of being burglars. The police are called and the two children are grounded by their parents. But Lorraine is still searching for the missing shoe, which she suspects to be a teleportation device.

Mr. Briner, the mysterious store owner, and his brother get involved in the investigating of the absent neighbor. Eventually, Mrs. Hamilton appears from a continental trip, apparently provided by the smelly, old shoe. After Lorraine and Hunter are cleared of charges, they notice the old antique store has disappeared. They think the shoe probably transported the shop and inhabitants to another environment.

At its core, “Hunter Thomas and the Smelly Old Shoe” is about the power of curiosity. The old shoe, with its ugly appearance, yet rich power, serves as a metaphor for undiscovered potential through belief. It’s a celebration of a child’s ability to transform the ordinary to the extraordinary. The sibling partnership between Hunter and Lorraine highlights the importance of teamwork and trust. 

Soyars, a reporter for the Sky-Hi News and a resident of Kremmling, states that her favorite part of her job is writing about the diverse aspects of her home county. “Hunter Thomas and the Smelly Old Shoe” is the first novel in a series. The author affirms that the second volume is complete and she hopes to publish it in the future.

This wonderful children’s book is available on MountainShireBooks.com, Amazon, e-Bay, and other book online venues. Whereas it is not yet available in the Grand County Library District directory, a request has been made to purchase copies for library patrons. This book will keep you entertained on your own, or would make an excellent read-aloud novel for you and your kids.