A Not So Perfect Start by Tracy Ludwig, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga; Knopf, 2026.
A Not So Perfect Start is an oh so perfect read-aloud to begin the school year. Likeable Thea, wise and intuitive Ms. Howard, and a range of relatable classmates make for a cast of characters sure to appeal to kiddos in Pre-K—Grade 2. Those in the trenches know all about inevitable, certain-to-occur challenges. Book 1 in The Caring Classroom series sets the tone for positive approaches to messy situations.
“There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.”
~ “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen
Why this book? Why will it matter to kids?
We strive for the perfect start, never more so than at the beginning of the school year. Pristine notebooks, pointy pencils, shiny clean backpacks…and then we spill paint on our sneakers, rip the cover of our journal, lose our lunch, or erase a hole in our not so perfect drawing. Kids will relate to Thea and her growing frustration when her perfect plans go awry. That her teacher and classmates join Thea in saving the day in a creative and satisfying way is better than a fresh pack of scented markers.
Why read aloud?
We settle into a safe space as we gather to share a book. As we reflect, exchange thoughts, and explore concepts, we are building background knowledge—and community. When read-aloud sessions are routine, children become comfortable voicing their perspectives. They grow in active listening skills and learn to respect the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and beliefs of others. When we (educators, parents, and caregivers) select age-appropriate, length-appropriate stories based on needs and abilities, we offer children the opportunity to see themselves, see others, find validation, and contemplate solutions to conflicts and challenges that they may not have considered.
Read-aloud sessions are inclusive: there is no reading skill or level barrier, and learning obstacles are mitigated by preparation prior to reading the book aloud. In a read-aloud session there is immersion as well as the comfort of distance from the challenges the characters encounter.
Reading aloud engages listeners, offering a positive, secure, stress-free “learning without struggle” experience grounded in a book, the value of which cannot be overestimated.
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive.” ~ James Baldwin
Levels and Layers of Learning
Grade level: Pre-K—Grade 2
Social-Emotional Learning Themes
Acceptance, connection, courage, creativity, curiosity, dedication, diligence, effort, empowerment, encouragement, fortitude, friendship, generosity of spirit, gratitude, hope, inspiration, integrity, kindness, perseverance, persistence, perspective, relationship skills, resilience, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility, self-assurance, self-awareness, self-reliance, social awareness, tenacity, understanding
Content Area Connections:
Social-Emotional Learning, Art, Community
Illustration © Maribel Lechuga
Using This Book in the Classroom
Hit the Ground Running Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents
Learn more about Trudy and her books.
View A Not So Perfect Start book trailer.
Write Away! Ideas to prompt writing
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking form the core of literacy. In robust literacy instruction we aid students in strengthening the connections between these fundamental processes. Shared reading—and dynamic conversations about text—strengthens reading skills and leads to meaningful writing. Multiple strategies are employed in the process of gaining meaning from reading (background knowledge, text structure, sequence, detail, cause and effect, visualization, summarizing, synthesizing, perspective, and more) and we utilize these strategies in the process of writing. Reading skills support writing, and writing skills support reading.
“[There is} a deep connection between how students read, write, and communicate, and how they develop socially and emotionally.” ~ Justina Schlund, Director of Field Learning for CASEL
A Not So Perfect Start begins with Thea’s BIG Day checklist for the first day of school. What would be on your BIG Day checklist?
On the first day of school, Thea experiences BIG feelings: excitement, hope, and worry. What do you feel on a BIG Day, such as the first day of school?
Thea and Ms. Howard talk about being nervous in a new place and when meeting new people. When do you feel nervous?
Ms. Howard says, “Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” What does she mean?
What do you like about Thea?
Re-read the “Helpful Tips for perfectly imperfect You!” at the end of the story. What is your favorite tip on the list? What tip would you add?
What makes a Caring Classroom? How can you help your classroom become one?
Illustration © Maribel Lechuga
Poetry Break Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book
Poetry breaks fit perfectly into the framework of the school day. These brief moments can signal change, smooth or frame transitions—from beginning or ending the day to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to shifting from one subject to the next. Poetry breaks can reset mood or tone, providing a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe. Reading a poem aloud typically takes less than a minute, yet it can introduce or reinforce a concept, provide clarity, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding, increase attention span, initiate reflection, spark imagination, or simply summon a giggle. And, poetry soothes and strengthens the spirit.
“Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning. A well-crafted phrase or two in a poem can help us see an experience in an entirely new way.” ~ Elena Aguilar
Poetry Collections with Caring Community Themes
- Dictionary For A Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
- Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock
- The Gift of the Broken Teacup: Poems of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Me by Allan Wolf, illustrated by Jade Orlando
- If I Could Choose A Best Day: Poems of Possibility selected by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Olivia Sua
School-themed Poetry Collections
- Did You Hear What I Heard? Poems About School by Kay Winters, illustrated by Patrice Barton
- Lafeteria poems and drawings by Douglas Florian
- Lunch Box Mail and other poemsby Jenny Whitehead
- Lunch Money And Other Poems About School by Carol Diggory Shields, illustrated by Paul Meisel
- Pencil Talk And Other School Poems by Anastasia Suen, illustrated by Susie Lee Jin
- Rufus and Friends: School Days by Iza Trapani
- School People selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Ellen Shi
- Super Silly School Poems by David Greenberg, illustrated by Liza Woodruff
And Then There’s This…
Enrichment activities, related books, online resources, craft projects, and ideas for further study
Book Collection Suggestions
Reading multiple books on a topic allows for deeper understanding and connection. Students’ knowledge base expands, comprehension increases, critical thinking sharpens, conversations deepen, and writing becomes more meaningful.
Recently Released Back-to-School Picture Books
Recently Released Back-to-School Read-Aloud Choices
- A Day Off School by Oliver Jeffers, illustrated by Kevin Waldron
- Even Steven: A Book About Sharing by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
- Kindergarten Get Ready by Naomi Danis, illustrated by Pete Oswald
- The Next Shiny Object by Hudson Talbott
- One Person by Wee Hae June, illustrated by Yael Frankel (Teacher’s Guide)
- Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl
- Sunday Scaries by Debra Kempf Shumaker; illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
- A Thank You Letter to My Homeschool by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Airin O’Callaghan
- today we’ll eaten by Alan Barillaro (see Sidebar Spotligiht, below)
- Tony Rex’s Seven Stomps to Success: A Dino’s Guide to Crushing It by Alex Latimer
Less Recent, Wholly Worthwhile Back-to-School Read-Aloud Choices
- A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng
- Circle Round (See previous Children’s Book Corner post)
- Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (reading activities)
- Be Nice by Sarah Scheerger with Brent and Jamie Camalich, illustrated by Alex MacNaughton
- First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love (part of the Jitters series; downloadable activities; see previous Children’s Book Corner post)
- Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo; Caldecott Honor
- I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascöet
- If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen
- I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon (See previous Children’s Book Corner post.)
- Little Helper by Regina Linke
- Santiago’s Dinosaurios by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, illustrated by Udayana Lugo
- School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson
- Thank You, Teacher! by Supriya Kelkar
- The Right to Play: How Jane Addams Fought for America’s Playgrounds by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated by Olga Brown
- That’s Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed
- The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
- You Can Sit With Me by Rachel Tawil Kenyon; illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina
Have a title to suggest? Scroll down to add it in the Comments section at the end of this post.
Feel free to share this post with anyone you think might be interested: teachers, librarians, counselors, homeschoolers, parents, or authors. Want to receive the latest post each month? It’s free! Just sign up here. We never sell or share subscriber information.
Meet the Author
Trudy Ludwig is an acclaimed children’s advocate, speaker, and award-winning author of numerous children’s books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and a recommended back-to-school book by USA Today and Scholastic Instructor. Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, the International Bullying Prevention Association, Committee for Children, and more to help kids connect and engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing peer aggression and for promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. Learn more about Trudy and her work on her website.
Backstory: Q & A with Trudy Ludwig
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Trudy! In this interview you will learn about the creation of the first book in The Caring Classroom series and about her other books that encourage kindness. A Not So Perfect Start charmed me from the moment I met Thea on the cover. The first page, and each page turn thereafter, led to increasing delight in this satisfying, wise read-aloud choice.
Judy Bradbury: A Not So Perfect Start is the first title in The Caring Classroom series of picture books. Tell us about this project: What seeded its creation?
Trudy Ludwig: My editor at Random House Children’s Books asked me if I would be interested in writing a picture book series on emotional and behavioral issues that pre-k to grade 2 students typically experience. My answer was a resounding yes! Prior to starting the project, I reached out to lower elementary social-emotional learning (SEL) experts, educators, and school counselors for their input. (I’ve spent 20+ years presenting at hundreds of elementary schools, so finding the right folks to query was not a problem 🙂 Common themes kept cropping up, which, in turn, allowed me to focus on specific storylines for this 3-book series.
JB: Tell us about a challenge you faced in the creation of The Caring Classroom series.
TL: Introducing characters with flaws/issues that young readers would relate to and cheer them on when they try to do better was a challenge for me. It took me a while to get that balance just right.
JB: What is one unexpected joy that came from the creation of A Not So Perfect Start?
TL: I had a lot of fun subtly foreshadowing in this picture book the topics I’ll be addressing in Book 2 (tattling vs. reporting) and Book 3 (sincere vs. insinsere “sorrys.”).
JB: What is your favorite illustration in the book? Why?
TL: First, I want to give a huge shoutout to the wonderfully talented illustrator Maribel Lechuga. Her artwork on every page is adorable! If I have to pick one illustration as my favorite, it is the double-page spread showing the students in music class. I love how Maribel visually captured Ruby’s overzealous musical performance.
Illustration © Maribel Lechuga
JB: What do you hope young listeners / readers will take away from A Not So Perfect Start?
TL: We all have the tendency to be our own worst critic. But the reality is that nobody is perfect. Mistakes happen. And that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning process. As I’ve shared in the story, we don’t have to be the best; we just need to try our best.
JB: How do you see A Not So Perfect Start connecting to curriculum or being used in learning settings?
TL: I think this story can be a helpful resource for educators to promote growth mindset when it comes to making mistakes.
JB: You have written other picture books that focus on bringing awareness to kind actions and inclusive ways, books that aim to help children develop healthy relationships. Tell how your interest in writing such books developed.
TL: When my children were little many moons ago, I noticed there were few books addressing very real and common social-emotional issues (i.e., social peer cruelty, intentional/unintentional exclusion, harmless vs. harmful teasing, insincere apologies, boastful bragging, grief, anxiety, etc. ) that young kids, including my own, experience. I wanted to help fill that resource gap. While we adults can’t get rid of all the hurt in our kids’ world, I believe we can help them get through the hurt by not only modeling emotional resilience ourselves but also by sharing stories they can relate to and learn from in a safe social setting.
Trudy’s Books
Sidebar Spotlight New releases of note
Each month I receive several boxes of books for review from various publishers. As I read and peruse the books, I place them in two piles: those that I will consider featuring on the blog, and those that don’t fit the theme of Children’s Book Corner blog for whatever reason. Ultimately, I choose the one new release I will feature on my monthly blog post. Yet there are many terrific books I wish I could give a shout-out to, even if I can’t write an entire post about each one. So I highlight those books on most Mondays on Instagram and Bluesky.
Sidebar Spotlight is a means of giving a nod to new releases that, in my opinion, are noteworthy. I’ve linked each title to Bookshop so you can learn more. Happy reading, friends! And feel free to comment on these or other new books in the Comments section at the end of this post.
Because of a Bee by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Frenci Sanna is a creative approach to showing the youngest of listeners and readers the importance of connections among even the littlest of creatures in nature. Appealing art features cut-outs for another dimension of interaction. Recommended for Pre-K-Grade 2.
Buzz! Being Brave Around Buzzy, Stinging Insects by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Joe Cepeda is a recommended read-aloud for these summer months when buzzy days abound. Chock full of accessible information for the curious and facts that help calm fears, this lyrical nonfiction picture book with bright, engaging art is a winner. Ages 4-9.
A Cozy Summer Day by Eliza Wheeler is the delightful follow-up to A Cozy Winter Day. Return to Acorn Village and the friendly animals as they enjoy another season of having fun together. Find an interview with Wheeler on this previous post on Children’s Book Corner.
The Flag We Love by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Ralph Masiello is a reissued edition of a classic that shares the history of the American flag and reflects on what it represents. Recommended read-aloud for ages 5-8.
I Told a Little Lie by Judith Henderson is a satisfying story about a little lie that grows and grows until the resourceful (and remorseful) protagonist hatches a plan to make things right. Art and text join perfectly in this cautionary tale that’s tons of read-again-and -again fun. Grades K-2.
nice work by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Hala Tahboub is a sweet-as-a-peach picture book full of wisdom and wonder. Here’s a perfect pick to read again and again as the seasons—and life—unfold. Highly recommend for Grades 1-2.
No Brain the Same: Neurodivergent Young Activists Shaping Our Future edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley, illustrated by Jeanette Bradley is a thoughtful collection of poems accompanied by short bios of the young subjects and writing prompts. Back matter includes a glossary, bios of contributing poets, and a brief explanation of poetry forms. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.
Oh, Carrots! by Mariajo Ilustrajo is a creative take on the joy found in developing unlikely friendships. Winsome art and visually engaging, humorous text work together in this satisfying tale of a Mr. Rabbit and carrot perfect for read-aloud time. Grades 1-2.
Some Days by Daniela Sosa is a picture book that honors feelings and moods on good days and not-so-good days. The last spread opens space for discussion: “So tell me, how was your day?” Recommended read aloud for Grades Pre-K—2.
Spendin’ Time by Gary R. Gray, Jr and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell is a satisfying read-aloud choice, celebrating simple, precious moments of quality time shared with one another. Luminous, joyful art and lyrical text remind us to be present when spending time together. Grades Pre-K-2.
Story Rug by Sophie Blackall and illustrated by Phoebe Wahl is a recommended read-aloud choice for opening days of school when classrooms are forming their community, and for communities wanting to come together for a worthwhile project. Class 203 (I taught in a Room 203 for 12 years!) is busy braiding, and as the rug progresses, the makers gather stories and pocket memories. Grades 2-3+.
today we’ll be eaten by Alan Barillaro is a wise and funny tale about unexpected outcomes and the joy of journeying toward them. Simple, lyrical text is artfully paired with pencil and watercolor illustrations. Recommended read-aloud for Grades K-3+.
Walter and Benny: Good Guys, Nature Spies by Kate McCarroll Moore, illustrated by Michelle Simpson is a kindness-centric “make a difference” story filled with likable characters and action focused on helpfulness. A recommended read-aloud, talk-about for Grades 1-2.
The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story by Kate Messner and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a clever, humorous, fact-filled picture book that reads from front to back and back to front, prompting readers to reflect on and engage in discussion of perspective/point of view. Recommended read-aloud for middle graders.
Thanks for reading Children’s Book Corner! If you would like monthly posts delivered free to your inbox, sign up here. We never sell or share subscriber information.
News, Updates, & Items of Interest
Reading is the single biggest predictor of a child’s future success. It’s also been linked to happiness and well-being. Hachette Book Group has launched the Raising Readers initiative “a call-to-action to highlight the importance of reading for pleasure with kids and to encourage adults to make reading part of our children’s daily lives.” Reading builds communication skills, improves academic performance, and broadens a reader’s worldview. Watch the video for an overview, including a wide variety of resources.
A new school year offers a fresh opportunity to create a nurturing and supportive culture where students feel seen, heard, supported, and connected. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers a free downloadable Kindness curriculum for Grades K-12, and a bounty of activities to herald the new school year, including directions for creating Kindness Bookmarks.
The TeachingBooks Literary Calendar is a handy tool for finding birthdays of favorite children’s authors and illustrators, cultural heritage months, and national recognition days.
Lerner Publishing has partnered with Inquisitive Press, which specializes in “captivating nonfiction books for early elementary school readers [that] engage young readers with captivating visuals, fascinating facts, and bite-sized information paired with age-appropriate language.”
This Fall season finds me out and about enjoying school visits, participating in book festivals and panel discussions, and just having a bunch of bookish fun!
On October 10th I’ll be participating in the Lockport Book Crawl taking place across the city in Lockport, NY. Details on where I will be located coming soon!
On October 11th I am honored to be joining a group of author and illustrator friends in Spencerport, NY, celebrating the posthumous launch of Andrea M. Page’s heartwarming picture book, Gabriel’s Winter Count, along with her family and many friends. More details to follow. Look for the coordinating Children’s Book Corner post featuring Andrea’s book in September.
On October 14th I’ll be visiting with second and third graders at School #54 in Rochester, NY.
On October 29th, I’ll be taking part in the fun activities planned for Lockport Literacy Night.
On November 8th, I’ll be returning to the Rochester Children and Teens’ Book Festival taking place from 10am-4pm at Monroe Community College, and will team with James Preller and Kevin Kurtz on a panel discussing creative brainstorming.
Find all the information about where my books and I will be on my Events page.
Find me online at Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn where I post about books, book-related items of interest, Little Free Libraries, and occasionally travel (on IG). Connect with me there!
I am currently booking school visits and professional development sessions for the 2026-27 school year. Find information and contact me to discuss a visit tailored to meet your school’s needs.
Photo credit: Jody LaRose
Readers Theater with props! Cayuga Island Kids, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek
Small and large group presentations
A note received following a recent school visit:
Thank you so much for coming to meet with my students. You were wonderful, answering their questions and explaining how you wrote the book. We all loved it! Here are some illustrated thank you notes the students made for you. Thank you again!
And here’s a note I received after presenting “SEL-Related Children’s Books with Curriculum Tie-Ins” to teachers and librarians of Grades Pre-K—Grade 6:
Thanks so much for presenting! I heard wonderful things about your workshop! One person mentioned to me that you were so organized and passionate. They also loved seeing all the children’s books you brought with you!
Find my books packaged as a series at your favorite bookseller. Individual titles are also available in hardcover, softcover, and e-book versions.
Kindness tip: If you read and like a book, consider posting a review on GoodReads, social media, or on Amazon (if you bought it there). Authors and illustrators appreciate the shout-out. Even a one-sentence comment increases visibility of a book. Also consider placing a request with your local library to purchase a copy–another free way to support a book you recommend!
Over to You…
Join the conversation! Offer your thoughts related to this month’s post in the Comments section below:
What picture book about the first days of school stands out to you? Share the titile, author, and suggested age or grade range.
You are also welcome to post a general comment.
Thanks for sharing!
Final Thought
“Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.“
~ Ms. Howard, A Not So Perfect Start
That’s a wrap! Like what you’ve read today? Have Children’s Book Corner delivered to your inbox each month. Sign up for free! We never sell or share subscriber information.
0 Comments