Perfect Pedro
For Pedro, everything must be perfect, but he's not yet found the perfect friend.
One day he meets Poppy, who seems perfect too – until Pedro goes round to her house for tea and, to Pedro's horror, she dips her chips in mustard and burps the entire alphabet!
Still, Pedro and Poppy prepare a hula-hoop routine for the talent show, but Pedro decides that Poppy just isn't taking it seriously enough, so he goes at it alone. As Pedro is about to find out, aiming for perfection may not be a perfect approach to life. Sometimes doing something imperfectly with a friend can be a lot more fun!
From the award-winning Simon Philip comes a hilarious new picture book about perfectionism, friendship, and hula-hooping!
Illustrated by Ella Okstad
Published by Oxford University Press, 15th August 2025
ISBN: 978-1382057691
Reviews
“A highly relatable and playful story about the importance of imperfection - especially when it comes to choosing our friends”
— Duncan Beedie, author and illustrator of The Bear Who Stared
“Two picture book greats in one perfect tale!”
— Kate Hindley, award-winning illustrator of The Littlest Yak
"I searched for imperfections in this delightful book and couldn't find any - pitch perfect!"
— Jeanne Willis, author of Slug Needs a Hug and Who’s in the Loo?
"This is such a perfect story about embracing imperfection for anyone who is afraid of making mistakes. It's sweet and funny with lively characters and absolutely gorgeous artwork."
— Naomi Jones, award-winning author of Thunderboots
"The enjoyable, bouncing rhythm of Philip's words are perfectly matched with Okstad's clever compositions and heartwarming details. My daughter and I will laugh and learn every time we read this humorously heartfelt story!" ― Neil Clark, author and illustrator of Crash Bang Wallop! and Sparkle & Splodge
— Neil Clark, author and illustrator of Crash! Bang! Wallop! and Sparkle & Splodge
"What a perfectly lovely picture book!"
— Wendy Meddour, author of Tisha and Blossom
"As a recovering perfectionist this book struck a chord - I hope children everywhere find a friend as imperfect as Poppy. A perfectly perfect picture book about the pitfalls of perfection."
— Claire Powell, author and illustrator of Marty Moose: First Class Mischief
"Picture Book Perfection! Pedro is sure to become children's imperfect hero!"
— Nathan Reed, illustrator of Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Sharks
"This is terrific - the perfect picture book; LOVE the illustrations, and the humorous story - hoops of fun!"
— Steven Lenton, illustrator of the Shifty McGifty series
