Pre-order
1
of
1
A Not So Perfect Start (The Caring Classroom, Book 1)
Brief Description
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...
Read More
Format: Hardback
$3600
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Pre-order
Releases
8th
September 2026
(Approx. Date)
Pre-order "A Not So Perfect Start (The Caring Classroom, Book 1)" now to secure your copy from our first shipment
Found a better price? Request a price match
A Not So Perfect Start (The Caring Classroom, Book 1)
$3600
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
Win a Father’s Day Gift Box with Penguin!
Buy any Penguin Father's Day pick and you're in the draw to win a this...
5 Kiwi Children's Authors to Check Out
Lizzy is sharing 5 Kiwi authors who write amazing children's books - everything from picture...
The Books That Made Us Readers
The book hero team are sharing the books that made them readers!
The Making of an Accounts Hero
From childhood loans and dishwasher money to tax returns, Excel and Book Hero’s accounts, Marnie...
Play to Screen Report 13/08/26
From major casting rumours and long-awaited adaptations to new family favourites heading to the big...
See more"A young perfectionist learns from her mistakes when her first week of school turns into a perfect mess"-- Provided by publisher.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
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 humour and heart on every page.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9798217028672
Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 16 June 2026
Country: United States
Imprint: Random House Books for Young Readers
Illustration: FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 216.0mm
Height: 279.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 32
About the Author
TRUDY LUDWIG is an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of numerous children's books including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection. Specializing in writing stories that help kids engage with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways, Trudy has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, The International Committee for Bullying Prevention, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely among other organizations. MARIBEL LECHUGA is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar), and Night Owl Night (by Susan Edwards Richmond). She loves nature, and recharches her battery by taking long walks through the Spanish hills.
Also by Maribel Lechuga
View all-
Pre-orderTen Beautiful Things
Now as a board book! Set in the Midwest, Ten Beautiful Things is a heartfelt story about finding beauty wherever you are. A gentle book for toddlers where Lily and her grandma count from one to ten beautiful things on a heartfelt road trip to their new home. Lily and her grandmother search for ten beautiful things as they take...Board book$2100Unit price /UnavailableOut 6 Oct 2026Pre-order
Also by Trudy Ludwig
View all-
The Invisible Boy
From esteemed bullying expert Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, a picture book about a timely subject. A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish, from esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton. A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy...Hardback$3400Elsewhere:$3699Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early September -
Power of One
One small act of kindness can change the world. From esteemed bullying expert and author of The Invisible Boy, Trudy Ludwig, and Little Elliot illustrator Mike Curato, comes a tale as simple—and simply inspiring—as the golden rule. When one child reaches out in friendship to a classmate who seems lonely, she begins a chain reaction of kindness that ripples throughout...Hardback$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Quiet Please, Owen McPhee!
From the author-illustrator team who brought you The Invisible Boy comes the story of a boy who won't stop talking—until he gets laryngitis. You don't have to be a chatterbox to appreciate this tale of listening and learning. Owen McPhee doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his...Hardback$3500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Brave Every Day
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning picture book illustrator Patrice Barton (co-creators of The Invisible Boy) comes a story about managing anxiety and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others. Most kids love hide-and-seek, but Camila just wants to hide. Hiding is what she does best when she worries, and she worries a LOT. What...HardbackSold Out -
Quiet Please, Owen McPhee!
From the author-illustrator team who brought you The Invisible Boy comes the story of a boy who won't stop talking—until he gets laryngitis. You don't have to be a chatterbox to appreciate this tale of listening and learning. Owen McPhee doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his...PaperbackSold Out -
Calling the Wind
Inspired by the Wind Telephone in Japan, this poignant story explores the stages of grief, the healing power of hope, and the unbreakable family bonds that connect us all. From the acclaimed author of The Invisible Boy and the award-winning illustrator of One. In a small village in Japan, a family mourns the loss of their loved one. Each family...HardbackSold Out
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseCass and the Beast
A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseB is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Signed CopyThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
