Perfect Pedro

By Author / Illustrator

Simon Philip, Ella Okstad

Genre

Friendship

Age range(s)

Publisher

OUP Children's Books

ISBN

9781382057691

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-08-2025

Synopsis

For Pedro, everything must be perfect, but he's not yet found the perfect friend. One day he meets Poppy, who seems perfect too - until Pedro goes round to her house for tea and, to Pedro's horror, she dips her chips in mustard and burps the entire alphabet! Still, Pedro and Poppy prepare a hula-hoop routine for the talent show, but Pedro decides that Poppy just isn't taking it seriously enough, so he goes at it alone.

As Pedro is about to find out, aiming for perfection may not be a perfect approach to life. Sometimes doing something imperfectly with a friend can be a lot more fun! From the award-winning Simon Philip comes a hilarious new picture book about perfectionism, friendship, and hula-hooping!

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Reviews

Tina

"Pedro likes everything to be . . . just right. Spot on. Perfect!" So begins this joyous tale about a boy whose focus on perfection almost gets in the way of his own happiness.

Perfect Pedro is a perfect read-aloud book, the text is simple but well paced and the enchanting illustrations only add to the enjoyment. The school setting will be familiar to many young book lovers as will Pedro's various classmates.

Pedro works hard to attain perfection, whatever his task, and initially Poppy seems to be the perfect friend. However Poppy has hidden depths . . . My favourite illustration shows Pedro's utter disbelief when Poppy dips her chips into mustard rather than his preferred ketchup!

This book is an ideal back to school read, which teachers can use to promote discussions around expectations for the year ahead. Topics such as resilience, confidence and feeling embarrassment feature. The message is clear; in a world often focused on attaining perfection in the eyes of others, pleasing yourself is even more important. Poppy encapsulates the joy of childhood and her confidence is infectious.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read which has plenty to say to young readers. Sometimes imperfection is just perfect!

Picture book / Reviewed by Tina Derry, teacher