The Thing Lou Couldn't Do - by Ashley Spires (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals." But one day, when they're looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou's friend has an idea: "Up there! The tree can be our ship!" "Ummm ..." says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn't work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them -- her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn't climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?

This delightful picture book from Ashley Spires, bestselling author of The Most Magnificent Thing, perfectly depicts what children go through when confronted with something difficult. With humor and endearing artwork, Spires sensitively portrays Lou procrastinating, making excuses, imagining alternatives and denying she cares. Ultimately, Lou faces her fear, and although she fails, the effort empowers her, encouraging a growth mindset. All the while, Lou's friends model compassionate friendship by offering to teach her how to climb and then moving the game. This book makes a perfect choice for a character education discussion about courage or resilience, or a life-skills lesson on facing challenges. The story also promotes the joy of imaginative play in the outdoors.

Review Quotes

... offers a valuable lesson ...--Kirkus Reviews

... Lou's dilemmas, feelings, and experiences should ring true for many kiddos taking on new challenges.--Booklist Online

... humorous and light-hearted ...--School Library Connection

Spires's bright, expressive illustrations and playful text put the reader right into Lou's cute little black running shoes ...--Quill & Quire

This book has so much to offer.--Canadian Children's Book News

About the Author

Ashley Spires is the author and illustrator of many books, including the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, The Thing Lou Couldn't Do and the Binky the Space Cat series. She is a drinker of tea, eater of candy and lover of animals. When she is not making books, she enjoys yoga, jogging and fostering orphan kittens for her local shelter. Ashley lives just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, with her dog and far too many felines.