Percy's Perfect Friend by Lana Button, illustrations by Peggy Collins
This picture book shows children interacting in a community space. Percy is shy and new to the group. He spots a stuffed cat, and begins to interact with it. He introduces himself to her and gives her a name, Miss Petticomb. Then they agree to play together. They play for a while, but when Percy takes his attention away briefly, he finds her gone. He searches the room and finds her at a tea party, but when he attempts to take her back, he must interact with other children who are now playing with her. As they each lay their claims to Miss Petticomb, they reveal information about how she is special to each of them in that moment. When Percy decides that he has lost his friend to these other children, he begins to walk away and be alone again, but when he looks back at her he finds the courage to offer something new that will join him to this group.
This is a lovely story of shyness and how it can be hard to make new friends.
The pictures work really well to bring the words to life, and engage the young reader with the story. The author, who is an early childhood educator has added a note at the end of the book explaining the nature of play and how it can help develop social skills in children, even when it begins with a stuffed animal friend.
A great addition to any library.
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