About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is spiraling after a mistake or feels like giving up because a project didn't turn out perfectly. It is an ideal tool for addressing perfectionism and the low frustration tolerance that often comes with early elementary years. The story follows Tillie, a young monster who wants to bake a special birthday cake for her Grandmonster but faces one hilarious disaster after another, from hungry relatives to kitchen mishaps. Through Tillie's journey, children see that even experts like Chef Pierre du Monstere make mistakes and that 'rising to the occasion' means trying again with patience. The puns and bright illustrations keep the mood light while delivering a heavy-hitting message about resilience. It is a warm, funny choice for ages 4 to 8 that validates the anger of failure while modeling a healthy way to move forward.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It deals with the universal experience of failure and the 'big feelings' of frustration. There are no heavy topics like death or trauma; the focus is strictly on emotional regulation and grit.
