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-65%A Not So Perfect Start (the Caring Classroom, Book 1)—
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$7.97The Story
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.
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 11.27h x 8.84w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9798217028672
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 57
About the Author
TRUDY LUDWIG is an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of numerous children's books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection. Specializing in writing stories that help kids engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways, Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, The International Committee for Bullying Prevention, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely among other organizations. MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 11.27h x 8.84w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9798217028672
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 57
About the Author
TRUDY LUDWIG is an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of numerous children's books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection. Specializing in writing stories that help kids engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways, Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, The International Committee for Bullying Prevention, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely among other organizations. MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.
Description
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.
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 11.27h x 8.84w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9798217028672
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 57
About the Author
TRUDY LUDWIG is an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of numerous children's books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection. Specializing in writing stories that help kids engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways, Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, The International Committee for Bullying Prevention, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely among other organizations. MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 11.27h x 8.84w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9798217028672
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 57
About the Author
TRUDY LUDWIG is an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of numerous children's books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection. Specializing in writing stories that help kids engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways, Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, The International Committee for Bullying Prevention, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely among other organizations. MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.
