Pajama Press

When Percy finds himself in a classroom full of unfamiliar children, he can’t help but feel uncomfortable and alone—that is, until he meets a cuddly new friend: a plush cat he names Miss Petticomb.

When Percy’s new friend is picked up by other children, Percy cautiously sets out to find her. On his journey to retrieve Miss Petticomb, Percy must decide whether it is better to share his friend with his classmates or keep her all to himself. A plush cat, a tea party, and the uniting power of toys may be the secret to saving Miss Petticomb and bringing Percy out of his shell.

In Percy’s Perfect Friend, early childhood educator Lana Button celebrates the importance of toys in play, the power they have to help children practice social skills, language skills, and imagination, and their ability to bring children together. ALA Schneider Honor Book Winner Peggy Collins captures Percy’s growth from uncertainty to confidence on his quest to save Miss Petticomb. He may just be surprised at the new friends he makes along the way.

Awards and Honours: 

49^th Shelf “Most Anticipated: Our Spring 2023 Books for Young Readers Preview” Feature

49^th Kids “Spring 2023 New Releases” Feature

2023 Children’s Book Council “National Best Friends Day” Feature 

Reviews: 

“[T]his book offers a gentle lesson in socializing and making friends for even the shyest of readers. Bright illustrations, including Miss Petticomb’s beautiful pink fur, make each page eye-catching as the simple story moves along….This is the ideal classroom or library read-aloud for the beginning of the school year to coincide with learning all the rules and being a good friend.”—School Library Journal

“Button, an early childhood educator, explores a difficult but important skill for children—entering a situation as a newcomer—and shows how imaginative play can lead the way….Bright, expressive, realistic drawings bring to life a diverse group of children….A wonderful example of how to resolve social snafus through the power of play.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[A] story about making friends, stepping out of a shell, and building confidence”—Booklist

“Percy is the kid in a diverse classroom and he doesn’t have any friends, until he finds a stuffed kitty….There is a small conflict over sharing, but then he asks if he can join the other kids in their play and they end up becoming friends as well. Bright, touching illustrations show diverse children playing happily with each other.”—Youth Services Book Review

“The story illustrates…how, through play, youngsters can learn to get along with others and make friends…Teachers/caregivers can use Percy’s Perfect Friend to stimulate conversation about making friends, cooperation, and play.”—CM Magazine

“A gentle story to share with new, hesitant students.”—The International Educator

“Percy’s Perfect Friend is a picture book rich in diversity and intriguing vocabulary for young readers. The illustrations are adorable, diverse, non-gender stereotyping, and inclusive. This book is great for preschoolers…and young children who are about to join a play group for the first time.”—CLCD – Children’s Literature

“[M]any children who were at a critical developmental stage for social interaction during the pandemic would benefit from a book like this to reinforce social skills that might be lacking.”—YA Books Central

“In Percy’s Perfect Friend, Lana Button models for children how to engage with new friends by scaffolding that interaction with a perfect pink friend, although any toy might work as nicely. She sees the kids as they are, some exuberant and extroverted and others reserved and perhaps even anxious. A toy, whether pink or blue, soft or hard, can be that catalyst for meaningful and playful interaction.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians

“[T]he perfect book for preschoolers and kindergartners to help them make new friends….Lana Button is the queen of social emotional stories for our youngest readers….[The] incredible illustrations lend themselves to discussions about how emotions look and feel. Each time we read a book illustrated by Peggy [Collins], it feels like we are getting a warm hug.”—Storytime with Stephanie

“What a wonderful picture book….this book does a fantastic job on showing kids how to make new friends.”—Book Time