Picture Perfect
#2 of 3 in Commercial Breaks Series
on Goodreads (141)
What’s inside...
A teen actress has to wonder: In the cutthroat world of commercial modeling and acting, can a happy family be reality?On camera, its easy to be part of a perfect family: A director has hand-picked your parents after a week of callbacks, and the right things to say are printed on cue cards. Off camera, reality is a bit more complicated. Cassie Herold knows her parents are having problems. Her dad basically lives on the road and sees her more on TV than he does in real life. Her mom, a math professor who would rather balance an equation than get a manicure, is nothing like the energetic, perfectly groomed f.m.s (fake moms) she sees at auditions for everything from snack cakes to energy water. If only Cassie could get her real life to be a bit more like her commercial life, then maybe she could get a date with Rory Robertsthe cutest boy in both the commercial and the real world. But will her family ever get back on track and be picture perfect?
Character compass
Brittany Rush
Dakota Mccloud
Discussion points
What do you think the main character feels when trying to make everything perfect?
How do the other characters react to the main character’s actions?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the main character?
Can you think of a time when you tried to make something perfect? How did it turn out?
How does the story change your thoughts about being perfect?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle tone to encourage your child to express their own thoughts and emotions about the story.
Relate the story to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their connection and understanding.
Encourage your child to think about the motives behind each character’s actions to develop empathy and insight.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to dig deeper into their thought process.
Praise your child for their insights, fostering a positive environment for discussion and growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Picture Perfect', the main characters collaborate on a school project, demonstrating how teamwork leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on group assignments or team sports, understanding that cooperation can achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Value of Creativity
Explanation: The protagonist uses creative problem-solving to navigate challenges, highlighting creativity as a tool for overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can harness creativity to solve everyday problems or express themselves through arts and crafts, fostering innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Pays Off
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face setbacks but persist in their goals, teaching resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in learning new skills or improving in sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Characters from different backgrounds work together, showing the importance of respecting and valuing diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate differences among classmates and friends, promoting inclusivity.