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“Brown’s poignant, tender prose expertly depicts Miki’s emotional ups and downs, enhanced by Jones’ sweet yet elegantly composed art, full of light and vivid color. Together, author and illustrator bring to life the quiet dramas of childhood, gently imparting a powerful lesson that will linger with readers. The perfect tale to demonstrate the importance of finding beauty in life’s imperfections.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“The straightforward storytelling and illustration, the portrayal of a strong intergenerational relationship, and the book’s antiperfectionist theme make this thought-provoking book a memorable one as well.”

– Booklist, Starred Review

Perfect

Written by Waka T. Brown
Illustrated by Yuko Jones
Published by Quill Tree Books

Miki Amelia Masuda liked everything in her life to be perfect. Her room was immaculately clean. She only ate round cookies, not the broken ones. And if a stuffed animal had a tear in it, she couldn’t bear to look at it. So when she accidentally drops and breaks her favorite teacup, she’s devastated. How can a broken teacup ever be perfect again?

Days later, Miki’s grandmother, Obaachan, presents Miki with the fixed teacup. But it’s not perfect! Each crack is highlighted by a gold streak of paint—almost as if to show off the imperfections!

What follows is one girl’s journey to understanding that life isn’t always perfect. Through the art of kintsugi, Waka and Yuko show readers—and Miki—that rips, cracks, and tears have their own stories to tell, ones that are meaningful in their own way.

Primary ISBN: 9780063280229
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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