Nobody’s Perfect

Written by David Elliot
Illustrated by Sam Zuppardi

So often we say, or hear this phrase as do our children. They strive to be perfect but it just isn’t always possible. This book helps readers understand how hard it is to be perfect in everyday fun ways.

Young readers will love the pencil drawings painted with acrylics on water-colored paper especially because they are reminiscent of how children draw with extra lines. The colors are realistic, vibrant, and smooth. The basketball looks ready to bounce and the blanket ready to snuggle under. The main character’s huge smile on the cover instantly wins you over.

This book uses only a few instances of misbehavior which helps to keep the story line simple and straightforward. The main character points out how sometimes it is someone else who is less than perfect: sister, pet, friend, even Mom. That distance from the reader allows the story to be told without becoming threatening or preachy. Actually, the illustrations allow readers to find humor in falling short of perfection. The conclusion is satisfying in every way.

The front and end papers of the book would make wonderful drawing lesson practice for the youngest artists as they make a drawing of all their own favorite toys, pets, and friends.

The words are sparse and easy as well as in bold, larger than normal font. First grade readers will enjoy reading this story over and over on their own. Literacy skills can be fulfilled in the classroom, the library, or the home. Discussions about mistakes can be begun or continued making use of this fun book.

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  • Nobodys PerfectTitle: Nobody’s Perfect
  • Author:  David Elliot
  • Illustrator: Sam Zuppardi
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2015
  • Reviewer: Elizabeth Swartz
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • ISBN:  978-0-7636-6699-6
  • Genre: picture book
  • Grade level: Preschool to 3

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