Dog Who Was (Almost) Perfect

'A charming, clever and reassuring tale about loving (and being loved for) your perfectly-imperfect self.'- Chelsea Bromley

A heartwarming story that helps children embrace imperfection, manage worries about getting things wrong and learn that mistakes are part of life.

There once was a dog called Doris who was practically perfect in every way. She woke up on time every morning, never forgot to fetch her owner's slippers and could perform all her tricks flawlessly. Doris loved being perfect.

Until one day, something not-so-perfect happens and Doris panics. Will my owner be sad? Or angry? Or think I'm a bad dog? For the first time, Doris feels unsure of herself.

With a little help from some kind new friends, Doris begins to see things differently. She discovers that it's okay to get things wrong sometimes, and that being imperfect doesn't make her owner love her any less.

From the creator of The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered - shortlisted for the Indie Book of the Year 2024 and longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Award 2025 - this is a charming and emotionally sensitive picture book that explores perfectionism with warmth, humour and heart.

Review:

"A hip, visually inspired entry in the growing genre of picture books about perfectionism."

"...convey[s] the message that sometimes the best thing you can do for friends is simply to sit with them."

"A sweet reminder that being honest about your feelings yields kindness and understanding."