A Not So Perfect Start

by Trudy Ludwig, Maribel Lechuga (Illustrator)

Welcome to The Caring Classroom! A new series that gives kids the building blocks they need to be a kind and caring person in the classroom and beyond, from a trusted expert in social development.

In book 1, a young perfectionist learns from her mistakes when her first week of school turns into a perfect mess!

It's the first week of school, and Thea wants everything to be perfect. She's determined not to make a single mistake—which leads to a lot of anxiety! When an art project disaster messes up her perfect week, Thea must make the best of an imperfect situation, with the help of her teacher and classmates. Turns out, a little mess is the perfect way to bring this caring classroom together!

From the renowned bullying expert who brought you The Invisible Boy comes a new series developed in partnership with kindergarten and early elementary teachers to encourage kindness and character growth in the classroom and beyond. Bright, inviting artwork from Maribel Lechuga brings the story to life, with a sprinkling of humor and heart on every page.

32 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Trudy Ludwig is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids connect and engage with their peers in kind, caring ways. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing friendship, bullying, and cyberbullying issues at schools and conferences around the country.

An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy collaborates with leading US experts and organizations and has been profiled on national/regional media outlets. She has also served as content advisor for Sesame Workshop's "Good Birds Club" TV episode and as an expert panel member on Sesame Workshop's video series on bullying.

Trudy's books have won the Victoria Soto Legacy Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Mom's Choice Gold Awards, the Moonbeam Children's Books Gold Award and are included in Kids'Indie Next Selection,the Cooperative Children's Book Center's Best of the Year Selection,and NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People Selection. the Junior Library Guild Selection, the School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection, and more.

For more information or to book Trudy for a speaking engagement, visit www.trudyludwig.com