“You Fit Perfectly” – a tale of how God made you just as you are
By Tope Pearson with illustrations by Katie Potts (44 pages)
There are many wonderful children’s books available and this easy to read tale by Tope Pearson is another to add to your list.
‘You fit perfectly’ also has lovely illustrations by Katie Potts on every page. It was launched to mark International Children’s Book Day on 2 April 2025, but whereas this year’s theme was based on Hans Christian Anderson’s characters, this story teaches children about God’s Creation, and does it well.
Pearson writes that the purpose of the book is, “to inspire young readers to celebrate their unique identities and find purpose in the person they are”, although she would not use such words in the book.
The story is about a worm wanting to become a caterpillar, so that one day he can morph into a butterfly:
“Mrs Wormwood said to Sam, ‘You are not a mistake. Without worms like you, the vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers would not grow properly. Your job on earth helps people and things to be healthy. No one can take your place.’
“Sam smiled. ‘No wonder those farmers always look happy to see me!’ he said. ‘Thank you, God, for making me a worm’.”
Tope Pearson is a survivor of the 7/7, 2005 London terrorist attacks and is also the founder of The Precious Foundation, a UK charity which cares for orphans around the world. She clearly loves children and has thought of how to help a child engage with her book.
There is space at the beginning for the child to write their name and it ends with a suggested prayer, a jigsaw puzzle and a colouring page. I can see lots of grandparents, aunties and uncles buying this for the important little readers in their lives.
Review by Gordon Pettie