The Thing Lou Couldn't Do
By Ashley Spires
The Story
A brave adventurer who runs faster than airplanes and rescues wild animals freezes when her friends want to turn a tree into a pirate ship — because Lou has never climbed a tree before.
Why It's Special
For the kid who will happily wrestle an imaginary dragon but goes quiet the second a real climbing wall shows up, Lou's stalling tactics will feel uncomfortably, wonderfully familiar.
- Big idea: Being brave isn't about never being scared — it's about trying the hard thing anyway, even when you might not succeed.
- Vibes: Funny, honest, and quietly encouraging, with a healthy dose of stubborn kid-logic.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on trying new things without giving up right away
- tend to make excuses when something feels scary
- enjoy imaginative outdoor games like pirates and rescues
- respond well to stories that name feelings like fear and pride
Ask Your Little Reader
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think Lou kept coming up with excuses instead of just saying she was scared?
- Story & problem-solving: What were some of the reasons Lou gave for not climbing the tree?
- Real-life connection: Has there ever been something new that your friends wanted to try but you weren't sure about?
- Friendship: How did Lou's friends show they cared about her even though she couldn't climb the tree?
- Imagination: If you could turn anything in your backyard into a pirate ship, what would you choose?
