#blogbookaday: The Thing Lou Couldn't Do

Summary:  “Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals. But one day, when they re looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou s friend has an idea: Up there! The tree can be our ship! Ummm … says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she s sure she can t do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn’t work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn’t climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn’t want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?

This delightful picture book from Ashley Spires, bestselling author of The Most Magnificent Thing, perfectly depicts what children go through when confronted with something difficult. With humor and endearing artwork, Spires sensitively portrays Lou procrastinating, making excuses, imagining alternatives and denying she cares. Ultimately, Lou faces her fear, and although she fails, the effort empowers her, encouraging a growth mindset. All the while, Lou s friends model compassionate friendship by offering to teach her how to climb and then moving the game. This book makes a perfect choice for a character education discussion about courage or resilience, or a life-skills lesson on facing challenges. The story also promotes the joy of imaginative play in the outdoors.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: Lou is a great adventurer, but when her friends want her to try something new – climbing up a tree, Lou tries everything in the book not to. But, with the encouragement of her friends, she tries her best and… doesn’t make it up the tree. But, the hardest part is behind Lou and she’s sure she’ll make it up that tree one day, maybe even tomorrow. A powerful story in a time when many kids aren’t willing to try something because they might fail, Lou shows the reader that you aren’t always going to be the best, but trying is worth it.

Personal Reaction: I loved the message of this story – to have courage to try something new, to keep trying even if things don’t work out the first time, and to have great friends who encourage you and are willing to make changes to include you. I loved the diversity in this story and the kids’ imaginations. I also loved that Lou tried every excuse to not climb the tree, but in the end tried her very best anyway. This is a valuable book for kids to learn about tenacity and resilience – skills that will take them far in life.

Title: The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do
Author: Ashley Spires
Illustrator: Ashley Spires
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: May 2, 2017

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!