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Corinna Luyken
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The Book of Mistakes Hardcover – Picture Book, April 18, 2017

by Corinna Luyken (Author, Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 848 ratings
Teachers' pick
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Zoom meets Beautiful Oops! in this memorable picture book debut about the creative process, and the way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration

One eye was bigger than the other.  That was a mistake.
The weird  frog-cat-cow thing? It made an excellent bush.
And the inky smudges… they look as if they were always meant to be leaves floating gently across the sky.

As one artist incorporates accidental splotches, spots, and misshapen things into her art, she transforms her piece in quirky and unexpected ways, taking readers on a journey through her process. Told in minimal, playful text, this story shows readers that even the biggest “mistakes” can be the source of the brightest ideas—and that, at the end of the day, we are all works in progress, too.

Fans of Peter Reynolds’s Ish and Patrick McDonnell’s A Perfectly Messed-Up Story will love the funny, poignant, completely unique storytelling of The Book of Mistakes. And, like Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, it makes the perfect graduation gift, encouraging readers to have a positive outlook as they learn to face life’s obstacles.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    56 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD520L
  6. Dimensions
    9.88 x 0.5 x 11.81 inches
  7. Publisher
    Rocky Pond Books
  8. Publication date
    April 18, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    0735227926
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0735227927
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

Treeinme My Heart ABC and You and Me Book of Mistakes AdrianSimcox
The Tree in Me My Heart ABC and You and Me The Book of Mistakes Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
262
4.7 out of 5 stars
650
5.0 out of 5 stars
1
4.7 out of 5 stars
848
4.7 out of 5 stars
110
Price $10.59 $14.29 $13.59 $12.77 $18.99
Read all the picture books by Corinna Luyken! A stunning and sensitive portrait of the strength within each of us and the nourishment we receive from the natural world. A gorgeous picture book about caring for your own heart and living with kindness and empathy. Inspires kids to move their bodies as they learn the alphabet with this playful approach to a fundamental concept. A memorable picture book debut about the creative process, and the way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration. This heartwarming story about empathy and imagination is one that families will treasure for years to come.
Patchwork Retazos
Patchwork Retazos
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
41
5.0 out of 5 stars
1
Price $11.27 $10.39
Read all the picture books by Corinna Luyken! A deeply moving ode to the complexity and uniqueness of every child. Una oda profundamente emocional sobre la complejidad y unicidad de cada niño.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3—It starts with a mistake, but page by page, one slightly too large eye, a wonky elbow, and feet a little too far off the ground transform and combine into a larger picture—one that not only is functional but also works perfectly. Illustrations rendered in ink, colored pencil, and watercolor are the focal point. They start small—just a circle, a few lines, a dot on the page, a subtle bit of color here and there—but they slowly grow, flowing across one page and onto the next before reverting back to a smaller image that begins to slowly grow again. Each page shows one small glimpse of the final picture, inviting readers to turn the page to see the rest. The simple text draws readers' attention to the illustrations, and thorough examination is rewarded with playful little details. This is a story about how mistakes can change us all for the better if we are brave enough to face them and march ahead. Readers will love following along as the small spots and smudges on each page change the work in fun and unexpected ways, and even younger readers will finish with fresh optimism and a new idea of what mistakes may become. VERDICT Children, especially fledgling artists, will want to pore over this volume one-on-one. A must-have for every library.—Maggie Mason Smith, Clemson University, SC

Review

"A striking debut picture book celebrates the creative process. Careful looking will be rewarded with surprising, often funny details in the art, which invites poring over...It would be a grave mistake not to pick up this picture book."-Kirkus (starred review)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rocky Pond Books; Illustrated edition (April 18, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 56 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0735227926
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735227927
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD520L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.32 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.88 x 0.5 x 11.81 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 848 ratings

About the author

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Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken

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Corinna Luyken is the author-illustrator of ABC AND YOU AND ME (June 2023); THE TREE IN ME (an NCTE Notable Poetry Book and Indie Bestseller); MY HEART (A New York Times Best Seller); and THE BOOK OF MISTAKES (which The Wall Street Journal called “sublime”). She is also the illustrator of IN THE DARK (Aug 2023) and NOTHING IN COMMON, both written by Kate Hoefler; PATCHWORK (A New York Times and Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2022), written by Matt de la Peña; SOMETHING GOOD and ADRIAN SIMCOX DOES NOT HAVE A HORSE, both written by Marcy Campbell; and WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS, written by Carolyn Crimi.

Corinna Luyken’s work is rooted in improvisation and explores themes of connection, perception, and misperception. She is interested in stories that reframe and question our assumptions, and the role of art (and books) in changing how we see and understand the world around us. She was raised in Oregon, California, and Hawaii; and studied dance improvisation, poetry, and printmaking at Middlebury College in Vermont. She now lives in Western Washington, near the Salish Sea, where she also likes to dig in the dirt, surf, and read with a cat (or two) on her lap. You can see more of her work at www.corinnaluyken.com

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
848 global ratings
Embracing Imperfections and Finding Beauty in Creativity
5 Stars
Embracing Imperfections and Finding Beauty in Creativity
"The Book of Mistakes" by Corinna Luyken is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that takes readers on a journey of creativity, resilience, and the beauty found in imperfections. 🎨The book begins with a series of supposed mistakes in the artwork, but as the story unfolds, these apparent errors are cleverly transformed into elements of beauty and purpose. The minimalist illustrations are both captivating and full of depth, allowing readers to explore the intricacies of each page.Luyken's poetic narrative guides readers through the idea that mistakes are not obstacles but rather stepping stones to creativity and self-discovery. The book encourages a positive perspective on errors, teaching children the importance of embracing imperfections and turning them into opportunities for growth. 🌱📚🌈
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Top reviews from the United States

Gizem Aktan
5.0 out of 5 stars Embracing Imperfections and Finding Beauty in Creativity
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
"The Book of Mistakes" by Corinna Luyken is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that takes readers on a journey of creativity, resilience, and the beauty found in imperfections. 🎨

The book begins with a series of supposed mistakes in the artwork, but as the story unfolds, these apparent errors are cleverly transformed into elements of beauty and purpose. The minimalist illustrations are both captivating and full of depth, allowing readers to explore the intricacies of each page.

Luyken's poetic narrative guides readers through the idea that mistakes are not obstacles but rather stepping stones to creativity and self-discovery. The book encourages a positive perspective on errors, teaching children the importance of embracing imperfections and turning them into opportunities for growth. 🌱

📚🌈
Customer image
Gizem Aktan
5.0 out of 5 stars Embracing Imperfections and Finding Beauty in Creativity
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
"The Book of Mistakes" by Corinna Luyken is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that takes readers on a journey of creativity, resilience, and the beauty found in imperfections. 🎨

The book begins with a series of supposed mistakes in the artwork, but as the story unfolds, these apparent errors are cleverly transformed into elements of beauty and purpose. The minimalist illustrations are both captivating and full of depth, allowing readers to explore the intricacies of each page.

Luyken's poetic narrative guides readers through the idea that mistakes are not obstacles but rather stepping stones to creativity and self-discovery. The book encourages a positive perspective on errors, teaching children the importance of embracing imperfections and turning them into opportunities for growth. 🌱

📚🌈
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Karla Gunnell
5.0 out of 5 stars Love love love
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023
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My niece had this book and I loved the story and the drawings are spectacular
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Austin M
5.0 out of 5 stars Great message about recovering from your mistakes!
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
First of all, the art work in this book is fabulous and ties perfectly into the story. My 4 year old was starting to use negative language when she made mistakes like "it's my fault" or "I messed it up" - so I wanted to get a book that illustrates how our mistakes are what we make them to be - we can learn, grow, and sometimes just roll with our mistakes, without internalizing them and letting them define us. This book takes that concept and makes it fun and simple for kids! My daughter loves this book as well - HIGHLY recommend!
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John W. Pearson
5.0 out of 5 stars Better Buy Two!
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
At first, I thought “The Book of Mistakes” was a biography of my life because I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Whopper mistakes!

Example: At a robust planning session years ago in Colorado Springs, the idea team had brainstormed over 100 workshop titles and presenters for a regional conference. Scribbled flipchart pages lined the walls of our meeting room—so we called it a day and went out for dinner.

The next morning—gulp! Our flipchart notes were missing-in-action. Bare wells greeted our shocked team. I had failed to delegate the note-taking chore. Those were our only notes.

But amazingly, that well-managed hotel staff sprang into action—and an hour later, the general manager burst into our meeting room with a dozen flipchart pages. “I found them in the dumpster,” he shouted!

“But the flipchart pages are hardly even wrinkled,” a team member questioned.

“I know,” the GM smiled, “we just ironed them.”

LOL! Thus one of my favorite management axioms was birthed that morning: “It’s not if you make mistakes (you will)…it’s how you recover from your mistakes that differentiate leaders from losers.”

So when “The Book of Mistakes”, by first-time author/illustrator Corinna Luyken, landed on “The Wall Street Journal” business book bestseller list last month, I was intrigued and immediately ordered the book.

It’s not what you’d expect—it’s better. This gorgeously-illustrated coffee table-perfect children’s book is big on white space, and short on pages (just 56). And this caution—display it on the coffee table in your reception area and someone will “borrow” it within an hour. (Better buy two!)

I’m guessing millennial team members in the coolest companies in North America are using “The Book of Mistakes” in team-building exercises, at professional development days, and perhaps in the boardroom—as department heads and CEOs are inspiring the crew with the power and the efficacy of mistake-making.

My gut: our organizational cultures are way too timid about the risky business of mistake-making. But the business literature preaches the opposite:

Johnson & Johnson’s Robert Wood "General" Johnson II proclaimed, “If I wasn’t making mistakes, I wasn’t making decisions.” Tom Peters highlights another mistake-tolerant company that fired a cannon to celebrate (not condemn) whopper mistakes. Read more:  In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best-Run Companies .

In the book,  What Were They Thinking?: Unconventional Wisdom About Management , Jeffrey Pfeffer champions IDEO’s belief that “failing early and failing often is better than failing once, failing at the end, and failing big.”

And Jim Collins reminded us about “First Bullets, Then Cannonballs.” He says that discipline and creativity will push you to test, test, test—with low risk bullets, then re-calibrate, fire another low risk bullet, more re-calibration—then when the empirical side of creativity has honed in on the target—let the cannonball rip! Collins has six bullet points (sorry) on “The Dangerous Lure of Uncalibrated Cannonballs.” Brilliant. Read more:  Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All .

And speaking of little bets, giving freedom for mistake-making is a 180 plunge from what the profs taught us. Peter Sims quotes Sir Ken Robinson, “We are educating people out of their creativity.” Most management approaches are all about reducing errors and risk—not giving license to having a good whack at a half-baked idea. “Goodness, this is God’s money we’re wasting!” Read more:
 Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries .

This week I asked two-thirds of our triplet grandchildren (9th grade, 15-years-old) about their thoughts on mistake-making (the good, the bad, and the ugly!). Their thoughts (according to birth-order, “as it should be,” says Emelia):

EMELIA: “This is funny! I was walking down the paper towel aisle at our grocery store, but I didn’t see a big puddle of water. Bang! I slipped and fell! Imagine—a puddle of water in the paper towel aisle! I don’t know how the store recovered from that mistake, but I recovered by just laughing about it. How ironic!”

ANDERSON: “Grandpa John, I remember the story from “Thinkpak: A Brainstorming Card Deck” (which you reviewed). The Walkman radio and cassette player started out as a mistake. Sony engineers tried to create a small, portable stereo tape recorder. It’s only when Masura Ibuka, honorary chairman of Sony, combined a new concept with the device—headphones—and dropped the recording idea, that the Walkman became Sony’s bestselling electronic product of all time! And chocolate chip cookies, popsicles, raisins and ice cream cones were all invented by mistake. Honest! Google it, Grandpa!”

So…order “The Book of Mistakes” and you’ll be mega-phoning to your team that you want to celebrate both mistakes and great recoveries from mistakes. Unleash the creativity and watch for dumpster divers near you as you inspire your people and your family members to take thoughtful risks.
10 people found this helpful
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CM Reader
4.0 out of 5 stars Creative, unusual
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2018
Verified Purchase
A nice treatment of how we can learn from, and make good things, from mistakes. Some kids might find it confusing, but it's a book worth reading, and a creative and unusual picture book.
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Sadina
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful message
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
I rarely write reviews. I've only started making the effort since becoming a Children's Librarian in the last few months. However, I absolutely adore this book. There's so much to say about why I love this story but I would hate to ruin the impact of its message.

I will say this. I read it as one among a stack of many new arrivals to our collection one morning. Normally, I breeze through picture books. We're mostly concerned as librarians in ensuring content meets expectations. There's no real time in our work day to truly absorb an author's intent. This book, though? It is so beautiful and made me so joyful as a human being capable of flaws and success. I went home that night and bought more than I'd like to admit. It is now my go-to gift for the creative and deserving women in my life that need that extra reminder once in awhile that they are capable of greatness no matter what path they're on.
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Top reviews from other countries

Ruth Noble
5.0 out of 5 stars make no mistake…
Reviewed in Canada on August 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
Lovely book with superbly creative illustrations! More art suppplies please…we have some mistakes to make! Imagination meets whimsy, amd they are friends!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars superb
Reviewed in India on November 23, 2022
Verified Purchase
Less is more when said correctly!
I will read this book again and again.. recommend for all ages.. thank you
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Nickolette Stefanova-Kiryazov
5.0 out of 5 stars Purchased multiple times
Reviewed in Germany on January 11, 2021
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To enjoy at home and as a gift.
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PJC
5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book- would recommend!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2019
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This was a present for my Wife, who is an art & design teacher. She loved it, as it reflects what she does to give students the confidence to try and embrace their mistakes as part of the learning process. It is beautifully written and illustrated.
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Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Please cancel my order for The Book of Mistakes. It is completely illegible
Reviewed in France on July 6, 2019
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