About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is caught in the 'perfectionist loop,' struggling to make a decision because they want the outcome to be exactly right. It is a gentle balm for the anxiety that often accompanies creative choices or the pressure to name a new pet or toy. The story follows Penny, a sweet mouse who receives a doll from her grandmother and spends the day searching for the one name that truly fits her new friend. Henkes masterfully captures the quiet, internal world of a young child. Through Penny's journey, the book explores themes of patience and the importance of waiting for a spark of inspiration rather than forcing a result. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are sensitive to their surroundings and value the small, meaningful rituals of daily life. Parents will appreciate how it validates the 'big' feelings associated with small moments, providing a model for how to navigate creative frustration with grace.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. This is a very safe, secular, and gentle domestic story.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 5 or 6-year-old who is perhaps a bit of a 'staller' or a deep thinker. This is for the child who takes their imaginative play seriously and who might feel overwhelmed when they can't immediately solve a creative problem.
