It's Okay Not to Know

Young children can be so hard on themselves when they make a mistake or don't know an answer. In a society that rewards perfection, kids will often equate being smart or right with being lovable. In this powerful new children's book, It's Okay Not to Know, young readers are encouraged to treat themselves and others with greater compassion when they make an uh-oh.

With a precious non-gendered monster, Bink, as the protagonist, the book has a character that all children can relate to. In the story, Bink feels like they're not good or smart enough every time they make a mistake or struggle to do something. Then Bink learns that making mistakes or not knowing something isn't bad or wrong; having uh-oh's is like getting a present because it's an opportunity to learn something new and, most importantly, ask why. By staying curious, Bink builds self-confidence and learns another valuable lesson: to treat themself and others with greater compassion.

It's Okay Not to Know is a great opportunity for families and educators of young children to open up a social emotional learning dialogue about being kind to yourself, understanding that failing doesn't mean you're a failure, and that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.