In the charming picture book, The Thing Lou Couldn't Do, Lou, who loves adventures with her friends, is suddenly faced with a new challenge: climbing a tree. Lou tries to suggest other, down to earth, adventures, but her friends decide to climb the tree, and scamper up. Lou avoids the situation, making excuse after excuse (we've all been there). Lou finally admits to her friends that she can't climb a tree, but even after their offers of help, she just wants to be alone. She starts imagining all the ways she can get up the tree, and finally decides to face her fears. She attempts to climb the tree, and gets so far, and then falls. Her friends, concerned, come down to see if she is okay. Lou is fine, and all move on to another adventure. As Lou runs to join them, she looks back at the tree, knowing that she will be back to try again. Maybe even tomorrow.
The story perfectly captures facing fear, avoiding the fear, then confronting it head on. The story is not wordy or preachy, and Lou's facial expressions perfectly capture what she is feeling. The colorful digital illustrations are adorable, with conversation in speech balloons. While we will laugh at her antics and excuses, we will relate, because we have all been there.
Mark's Book Picks Rating: 4.5
Reading Level: 2.0 • Interest Level: P-2 • Lexile Level: AD500L • AR Points: Test not available
Publisher: Kids Can Press • Copyright: 2017 • Pages: 32 • ISBN: 978-1-7713-8727-9 • Available in publisher's hardcover binding
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