About This Book
Reach for this book when your child experiences a meltdown over a stray pencil mark or a 'ruined' art project. It is the ultimate antidote to perfectionism, specifically designed for children who struggle with frustration when things do not go exactly as planned. Through clever paper engineering, the book demonstrates how a tear, a smudge, or a spill is actually an invitation to play and create something new. Barney Saltzberg uses interactive flaps and tactile elements to model a growth mindset in real time. It is less of a story and more of a sensory experience that teaches resilience and creative problem-solving. This is an essential tool for any parent of a preschooler or early elementary student who needs a gentle, joyful way to reframe mistakes as opportunities for discovery.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is secular and entirely focused on the creative process and emotional regulation regarding mistakes.
Ideal Reader
A highly sensitive 4 or 5-year-old who exhibits perfectionist tendencies, gets easily discouraged by physical errors in their work, or experiences anxiety when things feel 'broken.'
