Longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2017.

Perfect is a story of anticipation, disappointment, acceptance and, ultimately, love. Written by award-winning children’s author Nicola Davies, it tells the story of a young boy learning to accept his baby sister as being perfect in every way in spite of her disability. Suffused with natural imagery, Perfect is an ideal way to open up the subject of disability with children, as well as being a great story in its own right. Beautifully illustrated by Cathy Fisher, Perfect is a truly remarkable book guaranteed to bring a lump to the throat.

Nicola Davies is an award-winning author whose many books for children include A First Book of Nature, Ice Bear, Big Blue Whale and the Silver Street Farm series. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats then worked in the BBC Nature History Unit. Underlying all Nicola’s writing is the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that now, more than ever, we need to renew that relationship.

Cathy Fisher grew up with eight brothers and sisters, playing in the fields overlooking Bath. She has been a teacher and practising artist all her life, living and working in the Seychelles and Australia for many years. Art is Cathy’s first language. As a child she scribbled on the walls of her bedroom and ever since has felt a sense of urgency to paint and draw stories and feelings which she believes need to be heard and expressed. Perfect was one of these stories.

‘Every bookshop, every school, every library, should have this book.’ – Jackie Morris, artist and writer

‘Stories as deeply felt, and as exquisitely crafted as Perfect are the food that nourish the soul’ – Nikki Gamble, education consultant

‘It made me breathe a sigh of relief to remember that words and pictures can help widen and explain the world for children. It intrigues, involves and soothes it’s reader – all at the same time.’ – Laura Carlin, artist and illustrator

‘Felt like the child inside of me was reading liquid poetry.’ – Jonathon Ellison, Filmmaker

‘An emotionally vivid, hopeful illustration of unpredictability, disappointment, and acceptance—recommended for children and parents alike.’ Kirkus Review

‘This is an extraordinarily beautiful and unusual book that has an appeal far wider than its obvious subject matter. A young boy is entranced by the fledgling swifts that learn to fly from their nests in the attic. When his new baby sister arrives home, he looks forward to playing with her – imagining them both racing and chasing like the birds. But it’s soon clear that she has problems (unspecified) and he runs away from her imperfections, sad and disappointed. Alone in his garden, he finds an injured baby swift and helps it fly again, and in doing so realises that maybe all his sister needs is his love and attention to be perfect in her own way. Written with gentle sensitivity and stunningly illustrated, it’s a very special book.’ – Sally Morris, The Daily Mail

‘Perfect is a powerful picture book which deserves to be pressed into the hands of many – it celebrates diversity and unconditional sibling love in a wonderful manner.’ – Emma, My Book Corner

‘In Perfect Nicola Davies and Cathy Fisher have together created something extraordinary and powerful.’ The School Librarian

‘A beautiful book, which challenges our ideas of perfection… The illustrations are exquisite – both text and illustration fuse sensitively to endorse the true wonder of nature and there being a place and time for all. This is a uniquely special book.’ Gill Roberts, Carousel magazine

‘Cathy Fisher’s illuminations will make your souls soar as high as these birds’ constant, life-long flight; and your heart dip and twist, then beat again, in time to Nicola Davies’ almost impossibly successful evocation of what it can mean for a young child to anticipate the birth of a sibling with whom they long keenly and excitedly to share all things ebullient…’ Stephen Holland, Page 45