It's Diego's first day of kindergarten, and he can't find his shoes! When his father asks him where they are, Diego, anxious about school, replies, "The cat ate them." Thus begins a dialogue between father and son, in which Diego blames the family's pets (and the monster who lives in the backyard) for his missing shoes. Children will enjoy the humor in this story and will sympathize with Diego's dilemma. Repetitive phrases lend themselves to be read aloud with the adult. The story offers an opportunity for discussion between adult and child about lying, problem-solving, and facing your fears.