Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days!

Milo Crinkley is an average kid. The sort who doesn't make straight A's, who isn't a star player on the local baseball team, and who also has a big sister who is constantly 'on his case'. He doesn't really give much consideration to all these things until a book tumbles off a shelf at the library and whacks him on the head. Written by the rather odd looking Dr. K. Pinkerton Silverfish, the book promises to make him perfect in just three days! Three days! he thinks, I can do that, and then my life will be absolutely great. Milo figures, for example, that he won't have to go to school, because he will know it all. He also won't have to put up with his teasing big sister, because she won't be able to find anything to fault.

Thus, with stars show more in his eyes, Milo takes the book home only to find that the road to perfection is paved with some darn strange activities. I won't give away too much here, but will say that the good Doctor's first requirement is to wear a stalk of broccoli around your neck for 24 hours.

This is a great book that's speaks to kids over a broad spectrum of ages. (I read it to my 6 yo son and it would be fine for middle schoolers as well.) The anti-perfection message is perfect for our times as more and more children, particularly girls entering middle school, seem to pick up this crazy idea (mostly from the media) that they can do-it-all and have-it-all.

Considerations :::
"Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days" is a Good Read-a-Loud that gets it's message across with humor. It doesn't hit your over the head but subtly delivers the idea that being yourself is good-enough. It's a book I would suggest that most kids read or hear at least twice in their lives.

The Accelerated Reading Level is 4.2. There are some drawings, and it's a fast paced read.

Pam T~
mom and reviewer for BooksForKids-reviews show less

I remember being all excited to read this book in third grade, but it turned out to be more of a cautionary tale than a manual.

Another silly book from childhood...

Just as silly as I'd remembered! I do wish there weren't so many negative words in it, though, as I'd like my kids to read it. (Dumb, stupid, etc.)

One nostalgic scene has Milo drinking from the fountain at school and the kids behind him calling, "Save some for the fishes!" I remember thinking that was such a clever line and repeating it every chance I got for years in school.

This is a fun story to read. Really silly things happen to the main character, Milo. If you are looking for an entertaining story, please give this book a try. -ER

Wasn't the great for my age group. Kind of easy; doesn't work for a certain age group.

good book!!!!

Lexile: 720
Reading Recovery: 24
DRA: 38
Fountas Pinnel Guided Reading: Q