SKANEATELES — Don’t pick up those shoes . . . yet. You’ll have plenty of time to get to that. But, first, there’s a book you need to read.

“The House Full of Shoes,” written and illustrated by a Central New York Mom, writer, and artist Kim Weinheimer, is a must-read. Plan now to attend a book signing event at Gallery 54, Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 8 pm.

“The House Full of Shoes” is a rare book, “written and illustrated so that both the kids and their parents will not only enjoy it but learn from it as well,” Weinheimer says.

She notes that shoes tell you a lot about what’s going on around the house. It’s safe to say that Weinheimer’s book, written in rhyme reminiscent of the well-known Dr. Seuss books, is meant to be enjoyed by both Mom and kids.

“We were becoming ’empty-nesters’” she says, “when the idea for this book came to mind. I just had to do it.”

That wasn’t a totally new feeling, however, since Kim had written an earlier book titled “The Bear Song,” motivated by a song she learned as a kid.

“Back then it helped me recognize words that I heard when I saw them written,” she recalled recently. “I hope my new book might help young readers similarly.”

“As an artist, when an idea comes into my head, in this case, a children’s book, I just have to start writing,” says Weinheimer.

Friends, family, and neighbors quickly encouraged her to get “The House Full of Shoes” into print.

She selected J&J Printing in Syracuse so she could get it printed the way she envisioned it and not the way a traditional book publisher might prefer.

As a writer and illustrator, Weinheimer’s objective is to captures the imaginations of today’s youth.

Reserve the evening of Friday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 pm and visit Gallery 54 in Skaneateles.

As a bonus, take time to enjoy a selection of Weinheimer’s paintings, on display and for sale at Gallery 54.

Gallery 54 is an artist-owned gallery at 54 E.Genesee St., Skaneateles.