Not Perfect

Reach for this book when you notice your child crumbling over a smudge on their paper or tearing up their work because it does not look exactly like the picture in their head. It is a vital resource for children struggling with perfectionism, high self-expectations, or the habit of comparing their output to their peers. Through the character of Dot, the story addresses the paralyzing fear of making mistakes and the frustration of artistic vision exceeding physical skill. Appropriate for preschoolers through second graders, this book provides a gentle mirror for the messy reality of the creative process. It validates the big feelings of shame and anger that come with 'getting it wrong' while modeling how to move through those feelings toward joy. Parents will appreciate how it shifts the focus from the final product to the fun of discovery, making it an excellent choice for nurturing a healthy relationship with schoolwork and hobbies.