The exaggerated facial expressions of the grass blades and the sudden, silly arrival of a lawnmower keep children laughing even as the characters face big feelings.
The predictable pattern of every blade of grass declaring they are the 'crunchiest' or 'curliest' invites kids to shout out the words along with the characters.
Children see their own worries reflected in Walt as he watches his friends succeed, making his final discovery of being the 'neatest' feel like a personal victory for the reader.
The framing of the story by Mo Willems’ iconic characters gives children the thrill of a 'crossover' event that connects this new world to a familiar favorite.
Reach for this book when your child is caught in the comparison trap, feeling like they do not measure up to friends who seem faster, taller, or more talented. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like an 'underdog' or is struggling to find their own identity within a peer group. The story follows a group of grass blades who are all celebrating their unique superlatives, leaving the protagonist, Walt, feeling left out because he cannot figure out what makes him special. Through humor and vibrant illustrations, the book explores themes of self-confidence and the anxiety of being 'different' in a way that is accessible for preschoolers and early elementary students. It validates the frustration of not having a 'thing' yet while providing a joyful, reassuring conclusion. Parents will appreciate how it uses the metaphor of growing grass to show that everyone develops at their own pace and that being yourself is the best superlative of all.