Perfect
By: Max Amato
About This Book
In this funny and lighthearted picture book, a fussy eraser tries to keep the pages clean by erasing the scribbles of a mischievous pencil. But before long, the eraser discovers what can happen when two opposing forces come together to have fun. Full color.
AI Overview
Overview of "Perfect" by Max Amato
Title: Perfect Author: Max Amato Publisher: Scholastic Press Publication Date: 2019 Age Range: 3-6 years old
Plot Summary
"Perfect" is a light-hearted and humorous picture book that revolves around the relationship between an eraser and a pencil. The story centers on the eraser's desire to keep the pages clean and perfect, free from any squiggles or smudges. However, the pencil has other plans and starts playing around, writing on the pages. When the eraser tries to erase the pencil marks, the pencils become large and menacing, chasing the eraser to a forest that the pencil has drawn.
Despite the initial frustration, the eraser gets creative and starts erasing patterns in the pencil markings. This creative endeavor makes the eraser proud, but it soon realizes that it is lonely. The eraser calls out, and the pencil returns, symbolizing the reconciliation and acceptance of imperfections.
Key Themes
- Perfectionism vs. Creativity: The story highlights the tension between wanting everything to be perfect and embracing the beauty of creative imperfections.
- Friendship and Reconciliation: The narrative shows how the eraser and pencil can coexist and even become friends despite their initial differences.
- Creativity and Problem-Solving: The eraser's creative solution to the problem of the messy pages demonstrates the value of thinking outside the box.
Critical Reception
Positive Reviews:
- Waking Brain Cells Review: The review praises the book for its ability to show children that life is full of messy, happy accidents. It notes that the story is relatable for children who want things their way and highlights the fun way it teaches them to be creative and think outside the box.
- First Thursday Book Reviews: The review by Tami Harris emphasizes that children can relate to wanting things perfectly clean. It also notes that the book appears to show that pencil and eraser are friends, and the title "Perfect" suggests that the book is about not needing to be perfect. The illustrations are described as featuring a pencil with a face and an eraser with legs and arms drawn on the page. The verdict is that the book is a fun way to show children they can be creative and think outside the box when things do not go as planned.
Goodreads Rating: The book has a 3.92-star rating on Goodreads with 1,160 ratings, indicating a generally positive reception from readers.
Format and Availability
- Format: The book is available in paperback.
- Price: The price varies, with a listed price of $5.21 (originally $6.95) on Scholastic Education, but it is currently out of stock and on backorder.
- ISBN: 9780545829311
Overall, "Perfect" by Max Amato is a delightful and engaging picture book that teaches valuable lessons about creativity, friendship, and the imperfections of life.