Percival Priggs seems to be the perfect child. His parents are perfect, his grandparents are perfect, and even his pets are perfect. Percy’s shelf is packed with gleaming trophies, from Exceptional Excellence in Equations to Spouting Sensational Sonnets. But with all the practice required, Percy never has a free moment. And when he tries to take on too many things at once, an imperfect mess ensues!
Percy always worries that his parents will not love him if he does not smile his prize-winning smile and perform perfectly in every competition. But after Mr. and Mrs. Priggs reveal their own humorous imperfections, Percy knows they are proud of him exactly as he is.
In her debut picture book, Julie-Anne Graham addresses the pressure a child may feel to appear happy as well as to do everything perfectly. Her artful whimsy and humor warmly convey a message of reassurance, love, and acceptance no matter the messes or successes that occur.
[Excerpt:]
Percy was entered in so many categories!
He didn’t even like half the things he had been entered in.
So he came up with a plan to finish faster . . .”
