The Perfect Place

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

From the Newbery Medal-winning author of Last Stop on Market Street comes this moving picture book about the perils of perfectionism.

Lucas goes to the perfect school in the perfect neigborhood. But life at home is not so perfect. His dad’s old work truck stalls in front of the school. The electricity is out when he gets home, and he doesn’t even have time to show his mom his report (on which he received a perfect score) before she rushes off to her night job.

That night, Lucas dreams of a strange light, which he follows down the fire escape, into the alleyway, clear out of his neighborhood, all the way to the place where the perfect people live. Everything there is more beautiful than he could have imagined. But is it possible things aren’t as perfect as they seem?

This lyrical, richly illustrated picture book highlights the beauty to be found in even the humblest of homes and in a family that may not be materially rich but is rich in love.

About the Author

Matt de la Peña is the Newbery Medal–winning author of Last Stop on Market Street. He is also the author of the award–winning picture books Patchwork, Milo Imagines the World, Carmela Full of Wishes, Love,

and A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, as well as a number of critically acclaimed young adult novels. Matt teaches creative writing and visits schools and colleges throughout the country. You can visit Matt at mattdelapena.com, or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mattdelapena.

Author Residence: La Jolla, CA

Paola Escobar is a graphic designer and illustrator from Colombia. She is the illustrator of the picture books Giant-Sized Butterflies on My First Day of School; Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré; Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built; and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, as well as the middle grade Pages & Co. series. Follow her on Instagram @paoesco8ar.

Illustrator Residence:Bogota, Colombia