The Big Oops! by Julia Cook

Julia Cook, a former elementary school counselor, has become an internationally renowned children's author. She has received the Association for Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award, and her books have been honored by The National Parenting Center and Mom’s Choice Awards. 

The Big Oops! is a tender and touching tale about having the courage to try, accepting and learning from mistakes, being resilient, showing creativity, and discovering that every “oops” can lead to something wonderful.

When Scooter is told he can paint anything he wants, he chooses his best friend in the world – Pudgy the Penguin. But the moment his brush touches the canvas, things start to go disastrously wrong.

First, the bright color Scooter uses for Pudgy’s beak drips down the canvas, leaving a trail that makes Pudgy look like he has a long orange tail – oops!

Sad and dejected, Scooter wants to give up and start over. But before he can toss his picture away, Rufus the Monkey tells him to keep painting. After all, with a tail like that, Pudgy could swing through the trees just like Rufus. So Scooter keeps the little mess-up.

Seconds later, Ollie the Bull bumps into Scooter’s desk. The commotion causes the paintbrush to jerk up then down. Now Pudgy looks like he has a horn on his head – oops!

Again, Scooter wants to scrap everything and start over. But Ollie offers another idea. Why not paint a second horn and make Pudgy look strong and honest, just like him? So Scooter keeps the mistake and adds to it.

Finally, when Scooter is ready to put the finishing touches on his painting, a sudden sneezing spell splatters specks of paint all over Pudgy’s picture – big oops!

Scooter begins to cry, certain he really does need to start all over. But Sprinkles the Snake suggests adding even more splatter. That way Pudgy can look super colorful, just like Sprinkles! So Scooter adds more dots and drips, hoping the blunder turns into a splash of brilliance.

What will Pudgy say when he sees he has a tail, horns, and a body spotted in a rainbow of color?

Reviews

“This book is such a practical tool for teaching growth mindset, frustration tolerance, and healthy self-talk. It opens the door to many conversations with kids, such as “What do you tell yourself when you make an OOPS?” and “Do you give up, or do you figure out what you can do next?” Scooter’s story gives kids a clear, relatable picture of what it takes to turn an OOPS into AWESOME!” — Brandy Edlund, School Counselor 

Marvelous Mistakes by Callie Dean

Everybody makes mistakes. Some mistakes go down in history . . . for all kinds of reasons.

This picture book takes readers on a playful, rhyming journey through eight famous mistakes made by historical figures. Some mistakes led to discoveries or new inventions. Others forced their makers down new, more successful paths. But every mistake highlighted in this book led to something good.

From discoveries born of accidents to careers reshaped by setbacks, these stories show that success isn't always a straight line--and that even the greatest achievers mess up sometimes.

Marvelous Mistakes explores both the creative and scientific process, showing that success is not always linear and that even famous people mess up sometimes. Teaching history while encouraging resilience and a growth mindset, Marvelous Mistakes makes a great read-aloud for classrooms, libraries, and families.

Different Thinkers: Dyslexia by Yael Rothman, Katia Fredriksen

Different Thinkers: Dyslexia uses simple language and inviting illustrations to explain how the human brain develops, what it means to have dyslexia, how the condition can affect learning and emotional well-being, and how kids can meet challenges while building on their strengths.

Written for elementary-age children and their families, the book features three vignettes about children with dyslexia. Each vignette highlights common signs and characteristics of dyslexia and the different ways they can shape a child’s academic and social life. The book also introduces a range of practical strategies and supports to build language skills and confidence.

Thought-provoking prompts are woven throughout the text to help young readers better understand their learning difference, explore what it means to be a different thinker, and work through any insecurities or concerns they may have.

Different Thinkers: Dyslexia is an empowering read that gives children the information, facts, and encouragement they need to understand a dyslexia diagnosis – and a powerful reminder that how you learn does not limit what you can achieve or the success you can reach.

Reviews

"As a reading specialist, I have found that students who understand their learning profile do best! In a child-friendly format, Different Thinkers: Dyslexia explains the neurological roots of dyslexia and the strengths and challenges that come with it. The information both illuminates and affirms, providing children and adults alike with essential insights and support." —Amy Sheridan Potts, Elementary School Learning Specialist

"The book was really helpful if you don’t know what dyslexia is. And it explains that dyslexia isn’t a bad thing. It means you just learn in a different way." — Charlotte, age 11, diagnosed with dyslexia

About the Authors