The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast Finding Beauty in Imperfection: Matt de la Peña on 'The Perfect Place
Award-winning author Matt de la Peña discusses his new picture book, The Perfect Place, exploring themes of class, self-acceptance, and the meaning of home.
Matt shares personal inspirations, reads from the book, and reflects on how the story resonates with readers of all ages. Join us for an insightful conversation about finding beauty in imperfection and the power of children's literature to shape perspectives on family, success, and belonging.
Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order Copies: The Perfect Place on Amazon and Bookshop.org. El lugar perfecto (Spanish Edition) on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources: You can visit Matt at mattdelapena.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mattdelapena.
Matt de la Peña Talks About:
- Exploring themes of class differences and self-acceptance in The Perfect Place
- Reflecting on personal college experiences as inspiration for the story
- Illustrating the concept of "code-switching" between different environments
- Discovering beauty in imperfections and flawed characters
- Highlighting the pressure of perfectionism in academic settings
- Emphasizing the importance of bilingual book releases
- Celebrating multi-generational families and diverse home environments
- Challenging societal narratives about success and self-worth
- Recognizing the universal appeal of the book's message across age groups