About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is feeling anxious about trying a new activity, especially if they are comparing themselves to others. Yasmin is excited for her class ice skating trip, but her confidence wavers when she sees how wobbly she is and how well her friend skates. This gentle story explores the common fear of not being good enough right away. Through the encouragement of her Baba (father), Yasmin learns that falling is part of learning and that finding her own unique style is more important than being perfect. It’s an ideal choice for early readers, normalizing perseverance and building self-confidence in a relatable, supportive family context.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The core theme is performance anxiety and the fear of failure. The approach is direct, gentle, and highly relatable for young children. The resolution is entirely hopeful and empowering, focusing on internal validation (having fun) over external validation (being a good skater). The story is secular but features a culturally specific Pakistani-American family, which is presented as a warm and positive norm.
Ideal Reader
A 5 to 7-year-old who is hesitant to try new physical activities (like sports, swimming, or riding a bike) because they are afraid of not being good at it immediately or looking silly in front of their friends. It's particularly good for a child who tends to compare their own nascent skills to those of their peers.
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