A Not So Perfect Start (The Caring Classroom, Book 1)

Trudy Ludwig and Maribel Lechuga ∙ Maribel Lechuga

Hardcover

Published on Jun 16, 2026 | 32 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Jun 16, 2026 | 32 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

Welcome to The Caring Classroom! A new series that gives kids the building blocks they need to be a kind and caring person in the classroom and beyond, from a trusted expert in social development.

In book 1, a young perfectionist learns from her mistakes when her first week of school turns into a perfect mess!

It’s the first week of school, and Thea wants everything to be perfect. She’s determined not to make a single mistake—which leads to a lot of anxiety! When an art project disaster messes up her perfect week, Thea must make the best of an imperfect situation, with the help of her teacher and classmates. Turns out, a little mess is the perfect way to bring this caring classroom together!

From the renowned bullying expert who brought you The Invisible Boy comes a new series developed in partnership with kindergarten and early elementary teachers to encourage kindness and character growth in the classroom and beyond. Bright, inviting artwork from Maribel Lechuga brings the story to life, with a sprinkling of humor and heart on every page.

"Ludwig’s encouraging narrative provides plenty of reminders that art—and life—need not be flawless to be beautiful....A convincing argument that perfection may be overrated but kindness never is." —Kirkus Reviews

"Welcoming and supportive, this picture book is a positive reminder to young readers that life is not always perfect and that sometimes the most beautiful things can come from mistakes people make." —School Library Journal

Download A Not So Perfect Start Activities

ISBN 9798217028672 (Hardcover)
Published on Jun 16, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 8-1/2 x 11
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 500L | Fountas/Pinnell: K

ISBN 9798217028689 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jun 16, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 8-1/2 x 11
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 500L | Fountas/Pinnell: K

ISBN 9798217028696 (Ebook)
Published on Jun 16, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 500L | Fountas/Pinnell: K

Trudy Ludwig

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. Trudy wrote her first book, My Secret Bully, after her own daughter was bullied by some friends. Since then, she has become a sought-after speaker, presenting at schools and conferences both in the US and overseas, educating students, parents, and teachers on relational aggression.

Her books have received numerous awards and citations including Victoria Soto Legacy Award, IBPA Gold Benjamin Franklin Award, Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award, NAPPA Gold Medal Award, Mom’s Choice Gold Awards, Moonbeam Children’s Books Gold Award, Comstock Read Aloud Honors and are included in the Cooperative Children’s Book Center’s Best of the Year Selection, NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People Selection, National Crime Prevention Council’s Circle of Respect Book Club Selection, Junior Library Guild Selection, School Library Journal’s Best Picture Books Selection, Scholastic Instructor Recommended Back-to-School Picks, and more.

An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy also collaborates with leading experts and organizations including Committee for Children, ConnectSafely.org, Sesame Workshop, and Passport to Peace Foundation.

Trudy lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and their loyal hound dog, Hannah. Visit her on the web at trudyludwig.com or follow her on Twitter @TrudyLudwig.