Simon Philip explores the joy in making mistakes in Perfect Pedro
Posted on Monday, September 15, 2025
Category: Growing Readers
Sometimes children want everything to be 'just so', but in Perfect Pedro, Simon Philip and Ella Okstad remind us that it's okay when things go wrong.
For the young perfectionists in your life who strive to do everything well, Perfect Pedro is the perfect picture book to show that things don't always have to be just right; creativity, fun and learning to laugh at our mistakes are also important.
In Perfect Pedro, Pedro wants everything to be just - well - perfect, so when he befriends Poppy, who does everything 'just so' too, he is sure he's found the perfect friend. But Poppy also likes to have fun, and laughs when things go wrong. Can they still be friends?
In ReadingZone's indepth Q&A with Simon Philip and illustrator Ella Okstad, the author and illustrator discuss how stifling perfectionism can be; using humour to celebrate our differences; and how the illustrator brings depth to a story.
Review: "This is a thoroughly enjoyable read which has plenty to say to young readers. Sometimes imperfection is just perfect!"
