
Reach for this book when your child feels like a walking disaster zone or is constantly hearing the word 'no' because of their natural exuberance and clumsiness. It is a comforting balm for the 'spirited' child who tries their hardest to be helpful but often ends up with a spilled glass of juice or a tripped over rug. The story follows Amy Audrey Perkins, a young girl whose family has dubbed her impossible to take anywhere due to her constant accidents. Through humor and relatable mishaps, the book addresses the heavy weight of labels and the stress of trying to live up to adult expectations of 'perfect' behavior. It is an ideal choice for children ages 4 to 8 who struggle with self-regulation or motor coordination, offering them a chance to laugh at the chaos while feeling deeply seen. Ultimately, it reminds parents and children alike that a child's worth isn't measured by their gracefulness and that even the grown-ups who do the judging aren't as perfect as they seem.
The book deals with the psychological impact of negative labeling and the feeling of being a 'burden' or 'embarrassment' to one's family. The approach is secular and realistic, using humor to soften the blow of Amy's initial feelings of shame. The resolution is hopeful and ironic, shifting the focus from Amy's mistakes to the fallibility of adults.
A first or second grader who frequently gets in trouble for being 'too much' (too loud, too fast, too messy) and needs to see that their family loves them despite the chaos they occasionally cause.
Read this cold. The slapstick nature of the ending makes for a great shared laugh, but parents should be ready to discuss how Amy felt when her family said those hurtful words at the beginning. A parent might reach for this after a public meltdown or an embarrassing moment at a family gathering where they found themselves saying, 'I can't take you anywhere.'
Younger children (4-5) will enjoy the physical comedy and the 'oops' moments. Older children (7-8) will pick up on the irony of the ending and the unfairness of the labels Amy is given.
Unlike many 'behavior' books that focus on the child learning to be 'better,' this book subverts expectations by showing that the adults are just as capable of being messy and imperfect, leveling the playing field and removing the shame from the child.
Amy Audrey Perkins is a well-meaning but incredibly clumsy young girl. Her family often sighs that they 'can't take her anywhere' because she accidentally breaks things, spills food, or causes scenes. When invited to her Aunt Linda's formal wedding, Amy is determined to be 'good as gold.' She succeeds in being perfectly still and silent, but her family is so shocked by her uncharacteristic behavior that they become the ones to cause a series of hilarious, messy accidents.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review