A Not So Perfect Start (The Caring Classroom, Book 1)
Will be published approx. on 16. June 2026
Book
Hardback
32 pages
979-8-217-02867-2 (ISBN)
Description
Welcome to The Caring Classroom! A new series that gives kids the building blocks they need to be a kind and caring person in the classroom and beyond, from a trusted expert in social development.
In book 1, a young perfectionist learns from her mistakes when her first week of school turns into a perfect mess!
It's the first week of school, and Thea wants everything to be perfect. She's determined not to make a single mistake-which leads to a lot of anxiety! When an art project disaster messes up her perfect week, Thea must make the best of an imperfect situation, with the help of her teacher and classmates. Turns out, a little mess is the perfect way to bring this caring classroom together!
From the renowned bullying expert who brought you The Invisible Boy comes a new series developed in partnership with kindergarten and early elementary teachers to encourage kindness and character growth in the classroom and beyond. Bright, inviting artwork from Maribel Lechuga brings the story to life, with a sprinkling of humor and heart on every page.
In book 1, a young perfectionist learns from her mistakes when her first week of school turns into a perfect mess!
It's the first week of school, and Thea wants everything to be perfect. She's determined not to make a single mistake-which leads to a lot of anxiety! When an art project disaster messes up her perfect week, Thea must make the best of an imperfect situation, with the help of her teacher and classmates. Turns out, a little mess is the perfect way to bring this caring classroom together!
From the renowned bullying expert who brought you The Invisible Boy comes a new series developed in partnership with kindergarten and early elementary teachers to encourage kindness and character growth in the classroom and beyond. Bright, inviting artwork from Maribel Lechuga brings the story to life, with a sprinkling of humor and heart on every page.
Reviews / Votes
"Ludwig's encouraging narrative provides plenty of reminders that art-and life-need not be flawless to be beautiful....A convincing argument that perfection may be overrated but kindness never is." -Kirkus Reviews"Welcoming and supportive, this picture book is a positive reminder to young readers that life is not always perfect and that sometimes the most beautiful things can come from mistakes people make." -School Library Journal
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Random House USA Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Second Grade, Interest Age: From 3 to 7 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS
Dimensions
Height: 286 mm
Width: 225 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
404 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-217-02867-2 (9798217028672)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
TRUDY LUDWIG is an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of numerous children's books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection. Specializing in writing stories that help kids engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways, Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, The International Committee for Bullying Prevention, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely among other organizations.
MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.
MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.