Picture Book: Too Perfect
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrator: Lisa
Fields
Summary: To
young Maisie’s eyes, Kayla is perfect and therefore happy until Maisie is
partnered with Kayla for a school project. Then Maisie sees the perfectionism, judgment,
and stress that are a big part of how Kayla views herself and others. The girls’
teacher becomes concerned, and Maisie’s mother perfectly handles with
unconditional love the questions Maisie asks about Kayla’s views of herself and
others.
Hanna’s Comments: This
author has a number of great books about children’s interpersonal & social
issues. Be sure to read the afterward about perfectionism written by Thomas S.
Greenspon, Ph.D, licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage & Family
Therapist. I chose this book for PBT because too often religious life is only about
comparing yourself to a set of standards or laws. Hopefully, this book will
encourage children in religious settings to explore in non-threatening ways the
topics of perfectionism, religious laws, works vs. faith, God’s grace &
mercy, self-acceptance, and unconditional love.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle
Press, 2009
Age and Grade Appropriateness:
6 and
up, 1st and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: None at present
PBT Category: Post
2K
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affirmation, authenticity,
challenges, coveting/envy/jealousy, differences, difficulties,
dreams/aspirations, emotions/feelings, encouragement, forgiveness/justifying
grace/mercy/redemption, freedom, gifts/giftedness/talents, gladness/happiness,
God’s nature, goodness, grace, guilt, holiness, the law/rules/10 commandments,
mistakes, mothers, nurturing,
parents/parental love, perspective, self-reflection, regret/repentance,
righteousness, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, sin, works vs. faith or
grace
Scripture Connections: The Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14); There is
therefore now no condemnation (Romans 8:1-39); My grace is sufficient for you
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10);
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as a part of tween girls’ scripture study groups
when dealing with issues of religious law, mercy, and grace.
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