Percy’s Perfect Friend

Percy was the new kid at play group, and he felt very alone until he found Miss Petticomb, a pink stuffed cat. Percy quickly attached himself to her and was happily engaged in drawing when he realized that Miss Petticomb had disappeared. He located her with a group of other children who were having a birthday party in Miss Petticomb’s honour. Percy tried to get Miss Petticomb back, but he was met with resistance by the group holding the party. Percy almost left, but he thought about Miss Petticomb again and joined the party by offering ice cream for the cake. And just like that, he found a group of new friends.

The story illustrates the way young children interact with each other and their inanimate objects. Percy first made friends with the stuffy, Miss Petticomb, and that became the bridge for him to join in imaginary play with the other children. It shows how, through play, youngsters can learn to get along with others and make friends.

The full-page, full colour, cartoon format illustrations support the text. Children can relate to the play group setting, with its arts and craft supplies, reading materials, dress up clothes, and toys everywhere. The children depicted are also a reflection of the diversity of today’s classes, with a variety of ethnicities and abilities shown.

Teachers/caregivers can use Percy’s Perfect Friend to stimulate conversation about making friends, cooperation, and play.