The Sorry Life of Timothy Shmoe

Timothy Shmoe isn't a bad kid, but sometimes he makes honest (and not- so-honest) mistakes. Time after time, Timothy finds himself in disasters of his own creation, leaving a trail of broken heirlooms, torn tutus, and innocent bystanders (including his cat, Fluffy). Told in a series of letters, this tale lets readers follow Timothy through his hilarious antics and missteps. When his pocketful of marbles wreaks havoc at his sister's ballet recital, Timothy realizes he's gone too far. In one final, remorseful letter, Timothy apologizes for the ballet blunder and says his father probably wishes Timothy had never been born.

What follows is a touching lesson about the redeeming power of acceptance. Bright, comic-like illustrations and hand-lettered text bring Timothy and his shenanigans to life.

Hilarious and heartwarming, The Sorry Life of Timothy Shmoe is a call to empathy for children who struggle with impulse control, and a tribute to unconditional love. (From Owlkids)

The Sorry Life of Timothy Shmoeisa finalist forthe 2022 Blue Spruce Award,which celebrates picture books for readers in kindergarten to Grade 2.

Stephanie Simpson McLellan is a Canadian author of books for children. Her debut picture book, The Chicken Cat , won both The Mr. Christie Award and The Ruth Schwartz Award and was a finalist for two others.

Zoe Si is a cartoonist, illustrator and lawyer based in Vancouver. She is the creator of picture book Wolfie and Fly.

• Here are the 2022 Blue Spruce Award finalists
• 65 Canadian picture books to check out in spring 2021