Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm, lovely story of a boy embracing life's imperfections.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE PERFECT PLACE, Lucas's perfect grades at a perfect school make him feel like that perfect world is where he belongs, especially when he looks around at his crowded, noisy, busy life. One night, after watching his mom leave to work at the diner, Lucas falls asleep in his crowded apartment and in his dreams he floats to a perfect place, where sidewalks are wide, the sun is bright, and people are happy. All seems perfect there until one small thing goes wrong and he sees how that world demands perfection of everyone. As Lucas wakes up, he's surrounded by the family, sights, and sounds that make his own world perfect for him.
Is It Any Good?
The message of embracing what's real and meaningful instead of hoping for an idealized life is an important one for readers of all ages. The Perfect Place is a wonderful reminder that the lives we see on screens, on social media, and in our minds often don't include the things that make our own lives so wonderful and special. A seemingly ideal place that demands perfection of everyone is harsh and unforgiving, but Matt de la Peña's gentle story reminds readers that a home and community filled with people who love you is what makes you feel truly loved and valued. Paola Escobar's saturated, dreamy illustrations capture Lucas's emotions, bringing readers into both of his worlds, the perfect and the real. The final pages of the book bring a calm sense of peace and appreciation for Lucas's world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how they feel when they see what seems like amazing places to live, like Lucas saw in The Perfect Place. What do you think about when you see someone living a life you think is perfect? What's good about your life? How does it help to be grateful?
What are some things in your life that you wouldn't want to change?
What does your perfect place look like?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Paola Escobar
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 7, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : July 31, 2024
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