Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day

by Laan Cham

Overview

A free-spirited new student helps a perfectionist panda embrace his more spontaneous side in this charming classroom story.

Mao Mao strives for everything to be absolutely, 100%...PERFECT!
But when Olivia joins his class, Mao Mao realizes that not everyone is this way. Olivia is messy. And noisy. And clumsy.
So, Mao Mao decides to teach Olivia the art of how to be *PERFECT.* How hard could it be?

With speech balloons and kawaii-influenced illustrations by Laan Cham, this relatable picture book celebrates individuality and self-expression and invites little ones to redefine what it means to be "perfect." It also champions embracing differences and learning from one another—an important lesson for any child starting school.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593710043
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	07/08/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.38(w) x 11.31(h) x 0.33(d)
Lexile:	AD440L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Laan Cham is a first-generation Singaporean-British-American illustrator from New Jersey who currently lives in Vancouver. Somewhere in Between is her author-illustrator debut, and she is the illustrator of the forthcoming chapter book series Camp Scream.

Editorial Reviews

2025-04-04
A youngster learns to see the beauty in flaws.

Mao Mao, a panda who wears adorably oversize spectacles, derives satisfaction from organizing the shelves, objects, and spaces within his classroom, comprised of both animals and racially diverse humans. “He strives for everything to be: absolutely…100%…PERFECT.” His world tuns upside down when new student Olivia, a brown-skinned child with curly brown hair, arrives. She’s seated right next to Mao Mao and immediately leaves a messy and loud impression. Mao Mao sets a new goal: showing Olivia the art of perfection. The comedic montage that follows depicts Mao Mao’s mission failing miserably. When Mao Mao observes the rest of the class embracing Olivia, mess and all, he lashes out, scattering papers and scribbling across them with with a red crayon. A charming blend of spare narration and dialogue allows the manga-flavored artwork to take center stage. With his large head, Mao Mao resembles a chibi character from anime, while dramatic shifts in color and shading, as well as the protagonist’s exaggerated reactions, capture his angst—and, at last, his joy. Impressed by Mao Mao’s artistry, the other kids ask him to show them how it’s done, and he gladly does so.

Endearing characters and compelling illustrations create a healthy opportunity to explore and challenge perfectionism.(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

"Endearing characters and compelling illustrations create a healthy opportunity to explore and challenge perfectionism." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher