Book Review: The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do

by Ashley Spires

Kids Can Press

pub date: 05-May-2026

Publisher's Summary:

"Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals.“ But one day, when they’re looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou’s friend has an idea: ”Up there! The tree can be our ship!“ ”Ummm …“ says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she’s sure she can’t do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn’t work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them — her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn’t climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn’t want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?

This delightful picture book from Ashley Spires, bestselling author of The Most Magnificent Thing, perfectly depicts what children go through when confronted with something difficult. With humor and endearing artwork, Spires sensitively portrays Lou procrastinating, making excuses, imagining alternatives and denying she cares. Ultimately, Lou faces her fear, and although she fails, the effort empowers her, encouraging a growth mindset. All the while, Lou’s friends model compassionate friendship by offering to teach her how to climb and then moving the game. This book makes a perfect choice for a character education discussion about courage or resilience, or a life-skills lesson on facing challenges. The story also promotes the joy of imaginative play in the outdoors.

Review:

This review is courtesy of Edelweiss.

The illustrations of brown-skinned girl Lou and her orange tabby tuxedo cat are visually appealing and perfect for all ages of eyes. All of Lou's friends make up average kids who are ethnically diverse with huge imaginations.

Lou's friends suggest they play pirates up in a tree. Lou is afraid of this because she's never climbed a tree before. She processes her feelings with distinctly specific stage like delaying her participation by changing her shoes. Then she fakes illness saying her tummy hurts, her cat needs a walk, and that one shouldn't climb trees right after eating.

Lou's examples of real world excuses that kids (and adults, let's admit it) come up with for not doing a thing are authentic.

It's great to see examples of how imagination away from screens can thrive like using a paper towel tube as a telescope. Lou gives climbing a try and fails. It's all fine. Her friends come down and they go off on a different adventure. Real friends should encourage you and adapt to other people's needs. This is lovingly noted in the dedication, "For Mom and Dad, who always encouraged me to just try."

Summary:

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do showing failed attempts is rarity in a world where every simple thing feels like it a competition for clicks, views, likes, and ratings. Ashley Spires delivers a perfect lesson here.

Rating: 5 stars