The Thing Lou Couldn't Do

Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires

A young adventurer faces her fear of climbing a tree. Will she find the courage to try?

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,169 ratings

32 pages· 496 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud· AD500L

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Bookroo's summary

Lou loves adventures, but when her friends suggest climbing a tree to play pirates, she hesitates. She's never climbed before and is convinced she can't. As her friends encourage her, Lou makes excuses, but deep down, she wonders if she's just afraid. Will Lou find the courage to face her fear and join the fun? This charming tale explores the challenges of trying something new and the bravery it takes to overcome self-doubt. Join Lou on her journey of growth and discovery, where the real adventure is finding the courage to try.

From the publisher

An endearing story about a little girl who doesnÍt think she can. ñUp there! The tree can be our ship!î one of LouÍs friends exclaims when they decide to play pirates. ñUmmm ƒî responds Lou. Usually she loves adventures. But this is new. Lou has never climbed a tree before. And she knows she canÍt do it. She doesnÍt even want to try. But this adventure does look fun, and when all her excuses run out, Lou realizes the bravest adventurers are those who TRY. An inspiring lesson for anyone whoÍs ever avoided something hard.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 496
Reading age: 3–7
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD500L

Themes & topics

Books about trying new things Books about coping with failure Books about girls and women Books about self-esteem Books about self-esteem and self-reliance

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

5.3

“My favorite thing about The Thing Lou Couldn't Do is that it doesn't end the way you think it will. Lou is brave and adventurous, except when it comes to climbing trees. She offers up plenty of excuses, some imaginative, like "I stepped on a slug today and his funeral is happening now," to others that we've all felt, "my tummy feels bad." I think this book captures really well the feelings many of us have shared about overcoming fear, and I think readers will admire Lou's character.”

Lemony Snickers

Trusted reviewer

The author & illustrator