Ben's story captures the stomach flipping panic of losing a secret sketchbook filled with honest, mischievous observations about adults. Readers will recognize the tension of a private hobby accidentally becoming public knowledge through expressive illustrations and physical comedy. Books in this family share a seamless blend of traditional text and sketches that reveal a child's unedited internal world.
A parent might reach for this book when their child’s creative impulses or blunt honesty have inadvertently hurt someone's feelings. It is the perfect choice for a young artist who expresses themselves through caricatures or observations that others might find unflattering, leading to feelings of accidental shame or social anxiety. Ben is a boy who loves to draw everything he sees, but when his private sketchbook full of honest, funny, and slightly mean-spirited drawings of his teachers and peers goes missing, he is gripped by the fear of being discovered. The story explores themes of creative responsibility, the power of perspective, and the importance of a sincere apology. It is developmentally appropriate for elementary students who are beginning to navigate more complex social dynamics at school. Ultimately, it helps children understand that while their talent is a gift, they must consider how their work affects the people around them. It is a gentle, humorous lesson in empathy and integrity.
