The School of Failure: A Story About Success

$15.99

Written by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina

A charming fractured fairy-tale about how the road to success is often paved with mistakes and the most important thing is to keep trying. 

Once upon a time, there were three hopeful fairy-tale characters: Wolfred, Zinderella, and the Non-Evil Queen. Already rejected from classic fairy-tales, a happily-ever-after for these three seems a world away. So the trio is headed to the School of Failure. Once there, they discover that with patience and persistence, mistakes can also lead to the perfect storybook ending. 

From author Rosie J. Pova and illustrator Monika Filipina comes a charming fractured fairy-tale about beloved characters who don’t make the final cut to be in a famous story but still find their starring roles. A perfect read for fans of THE BOOK OF MISTAKES, THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, or anyone who needs a reminder that the road to success is often paved with mistakes, but that shouldn’t stop us from pursuing our goals. 

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  • Format: Jacketed Hardcover
  • Pages: 40
  • Size: 10.6 X 8.1
  • Price: $15.99
  • Age Range: 4-7 years
  • Publication Date: May 10, 2022
  • ISBN: 9781953458179

Reviews

“A sweet and sassy book about trying, and failing, and trying again.”

—Rajani LaRocca, Author of Where Three Oceans Meet

“In this timely story with action-packed text and lively illustrations, three fabulous not-so-famous fairytale characters enroll in THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE. Kids will cheer for Wolfred, Zinderella, and the Non-Evil-Queen as they try, try, and try again, ultimately finding their passion and following it to a life of purpose where the only failure is the failure to keep trying.”

–Vivian Kirkfield, author of many picture books including From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves

The School of Failure is a wonderful book about mindset and perseverance in the face of failure. As both a parent and educator of young children, I often talk about perseverance and being authentic to who you truly are; this book helps to portray that concept in a clear, concise, and vibrant way.”

–Annemarie Riley Guertin, Author of The Monsters on the Broom

“”Failing your way to fabulous.” A delightful and refreshing take on failure that shows kids how imperfection is an expected and necessary part of success. The story highlights the importance of experimenting as a tool for discovering your true self. The detailed illustrations are immensely fun to pore over. A wonderful addition to any child’s library.”

-Karen Yin, author of Whole Whale and So Not Ghoul

“A charming, fractured, picture book fairy-tale about the road to success often being paved with mistakes, but that it shouldn’t stop us from pursuing our goals and the most important thing is to keep trying. ”

—Midwest Book Review

What to Expect:

  • Fairy-tales are popular with kid readers—from the classics like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood to fractured fairy-tales like Disney’s Descendants franchise. This is a fresh take on a timeless genre.
  • A reassuring, empowering perspective on mistakes and perseverance—when the Non-Evil Queen, Wolfred, and Zinderella encounter failure and disappointment, they receive support and encouragement to keep trying and eventually, they succeed. The humorous tone reminds kid readers to take their mistakes in stride.
  • Timeless appeal of a school setting—having the characters attend school will feel familiar to kids. The setting is one that welcomes self-discovery, gives space to explore different interests, and models failure as a part of success. This will appeal to teachers and librarians.
  • Wide range of appealing characters—the story features a cat, a wolf, a human, and a dragon, which gives child readers a range of character types to enjoy and appeals to different interests and tastes, from animal lovers to kids who prefer fantasy.

Praises:

“The School of Failure is a wonderful book about mindset and perseverance in the face of failure. As both a parent and educator of young children, I often talk about perseverance and being authentic to who you truly are; this book helps to portray that concept in a clear, concise, and vibrant way.” –Annemarie Riley Guertin, Author of The Monsters on the Broom

Author Bios:

Rosie J. Pova is an award-winning, multi-published children’s book author, writing instructor, and creativity coach whose life’s work is to inspire children to be bold, take chances, and chase their dreams. Her picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents Magazine. Originally from Bulgaria, Rosie now lives in Dallas, Texas with her family.

Monika Filipina is an award-winning author and illustrator. She earned a master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art and lives in Toruń, Poland.

Age Range