Stacey Coolidge's Fancy-Smancy Handwriting: A Story about Staying True to Yourself

By Barbara Esham

This encouraging picture book about handwriting struggles, confidence, and staying true to yourself is the perfect story for back-to-school season

Second grader Carolyn starts the year feeling excited--she loves her teacher, her classroom, and especially Frederick, the class guinea pig. But everything changes the day cursive handwriting begins.

Somehow, her classmate Stacey Coolidge's letters are perfectly slanted and beautifully curved. She hardly ever uses her eraser. Meanwhile, Carolyn's paper is full of smudges, torn holes, and worn-out spots from pressing too hard. No matter how much she practices, her handwriting just doesn't look "perfect." And when her work is displayed next to Stacey's fancy-smancy cursive, Carolyn is sure hers is the worst in the class.

With warmth and wisdom, Mrs. Thompson helps Carolyn see something important: handwriting is just one tool in the learning toolbox. Practice helps us grow--but perfection isn't the goal. What truly matters is creativity, effort, and believing in your own strengths.

Part of the Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series, this heartfelt and humorous picture book gently explores:

Struggling with new skills in schoolAnxiety about comparing yourself to othersGrowth mindset and perseveranceCelebrating individual strengthsBuilding confidence beyond perfection

Perfect for ages 4-8, and ideal for classrooms, counselors, and parents, this uplifting story opens meaningful conversations about frustration, resilience, and self-worth.

Because every child has different strengths--and that's exactly what makes them extraordinary.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1728289408
• ISBN13: 9781728289403
• Release Date: May 2024
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3