Too Perfect

by Trudy Ludwig, Lisa Fields (Illustrator)

Maisie thinks Kayla is perfect. She’s pretty and thin, has cool clothes, gets good grades, and she’s a star on the soccer field. But is Kayla happy? The more Maisie gets to know Kayla, the more she begins to question whether being perfect is really so wonderful. In Too Perfect , acclaimed speaker and child advocate Trudy Ludwig explores the relentless and destructive drive for perfection, and the freedom that comes from accepting one’s self.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Fiction, Friendship, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2008

About the author

Trudy Ludwig is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids connect and engage with their peers in kind, caring ways. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing friendship, bullying, and cyberbullying issues at schools and conferences around the country.

An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy collaborates with leading US experts and organizations and has been profiled on national/regional media outlets. She has also served as content advisor for Sesame Workshop's "Good Birds Club" TV episode and as an expert panel member on Sesame Workshop's video series on bullying.

Trudy's books have won the Victoria Soto Legacy Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Mom's Choice Gold Awards, the Moonbeam Children's Books Gold Award and are included in Kids'Indie Next Selection,the Cooperative Children's Book Center's Best of the Year Selection,and NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People Selection. the Junior Library Guild Selection, the School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection, and more.

For more information or to book Trudy for a speaking engagement, visit www.trudyludwig.com

Reviews

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although very didactic, I loved the line "Honey, I love you for who you are...not for who you think I want you to be." As a mom I hope my kids know that.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a believable main character and allowed my students and I to have a good discussion about perfectionism.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book conversation starter on perfectionism and how it leads to anxiety, anger, and depression. A good choice if a child in your life is beset with perfectionism and you want to help them find the words to understand that there is a difference between trying your best and a need to be perfect. Happiness comes with acceptance and a willingness to make mistakes.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrific book to use to introduce internal pressure kids apply to themselves and how to figure out balance.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bit wordy but a good message. Kayla needs to calm down, Maisie needs to try harder in school of she wants to go to college, and appreciation time is for wimps