A Bad Case of the Almosts

"A Bad Case of the Almosts" by Janet Sumner Johnson is an inspiring picture book about Abby, a young girl frustrated by the feeling of always being "almost" something—almost tall enough, almost first in line, almost a star student. Abby is tired of striving for things that seem just out of reach and feels discouraged, especially when it comes to participating in the science fair. She wonders if it's even worth trying, since the "almosts" seem to get in the way of her success.

However, through the course of the story, Abby learns that the almosts don't have to be a negative force in her life. Instead, she discovers that these near-misses can be stepping stones toward personal growth and learning. The book encourages children to embrace disappointment as a part of life, and highlights the value of adopting a growth mindset. Abby's journey teaches readers that even when things don't go exactly as planned, there is always an opportunity for improvement, and the almosts can be seen as part of the process of achieving their goals.