If you were a very prickly porcupine whose favorite thing in the whole world was a balloon, I’d tell you that you were not setting yourself up for happiness.  But in the delightful picture book Perfectly Percy, we find just such a situation… and a happy ending.

Percy loves balloons.  He’s also covered in sharp quills, and at the beginning of the story, a lovely blue balloon meets its demise.  Poor Percy.  But he’s not one to mope or give up.  He problem-solves, he seeks the wisdom of his older sister Pearl (featured in Schmid’s previous book, Hugs from Pearl), and he stays calm.  He finds a solution in an unlikely place, and all that persistence and patience pays off.

This is a very charming story that gives a great example of cause and effect.  Toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners can learn from Percy.  He doesn’t melt down or stomp when his favorite thing is ruined.  He doesn’t cry when he can’t figure out a way to enjoy his balloon.  He deals with his sadness in a constructive way, and he makes his own success.

The sweet and simple illustrations, also by Schmid, show this adorable porcupine, and his feelings and actions, in an accessible way.   A lighthearted and non-preachy tale about disappointment, frustration, and solving life’s little problems is a perfect read for young children who face these challenges several times a day.  Even if they don’t follow Percy’s lead, they’re sure to enjoy hearing about someone who feels the same way as they often do.