Lila Perl's "Pieface and Daphne" is a gentle chapter book exploring themes of personal growth and empathy. The story follows Pamela, who begins as a self-centered child, and her transformation is sparked by the arrival of her cousin Daphne and their shared encounter with a shopping bag lady. The book subtly handles the topic of homelessness or poverty through the character of the shopping bag lady, providing an opportunity for young readers to consider different life circumstances. The emotional arc is one of awakening and increasing compassion, moving from self-focus to an understanding of others. This book is ideal for children who are beginning to understand social dynamics and the importance of kindness. A parent might reach for this when their child is showing signs of self-centeredness, or when they want to open a conversation about empathy and helping others in the community. Younger readers (4-7) would enjoy it as a read-aloud, focusing on the character interactions, while older readers (8-11) can independently engage with Pamela's internal journey and the social themes.