The Perfect Place

by Matt de la Peña Narrated by Dion Graham

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Rediscover priceless values like love and family, kindness and empathy, in a picture book that will inspire readers of all ages.

From the Newbery Medal-winning author of Last Stop on Market Street comes this moving picture book-adapted for audio-about the perils of perfectionism.

Lucas goes to the perfect school in the perfect neighborhood.*But life at home is not so perfect. His dad's old work truck stalls in front of the school. The electricity is out when he gets home, and he doesn't even have time to show his mom his report (on which he received a perfect score) before she rushes off to her night job.

That night, Lucas dreams of a strange light, which he follows down the fire escape, into the alleyway, clear out of his neighborhood, all the way to the place where the perfect people live. Everything*there is more beautiful than he could have imagined. But is it possible things aren't as perfect as they seem?

This lyrical picture book-adapted for audio-highlights the beauty to be found in even the humblest of homes and in a family that may not be materially rich but is rich in love.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for The Perfect Place:

* “Digital illustrations by Escobar (A Plate of Hope) juxtapose the warmth of Lucas’s metropolitan neighborhood against a brightly oppressive alternate realm as Newbery Medalist de la Peña weighs perfectionism against the messiness of real-life love—'the right kind of imperfect.'” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Teaches young readers to be grateful about their individual upbringings and proud of their roots . . . Gorgeous watercolor vignettes and bright action scenes accompany this heartwarming, uplifting narrative about valuing uniqueness and imperfection over flawless idealism.” —Booklist

“Charming . . . A gentle reminder of the genuine beauty found in life’s wonderfully imperfect moments.” —Kirkus Reviews

MAY 2024 - AudioFile

Dion Graham's performance will delight young listeners. A boy named Lucas comes home from school with a perfect score on his robot test. At home, however, life is not perfect--his dad's truck breaks down, orange juice is spilled on the floor, his mom works long hours, and the lights get cut off. That night, he dreams about a perfect place where perfect people live. But the place then turns out to be less than perfect. Graham beautifully breathes new life into de la Peña's story; his pacing works well for a tender bedtime tale. Through Graham's nimble and gentle narration young listeners will be transported to imperfectly perfect places in their dreams. P.P.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159629098
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	05/07/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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