Kids are naturally curious...
Until they start judging themselves.
One moment a child is exploring the world. The next moment they’re saying, “I’m not good at this."
That’s often where curiosity begins to disappear.
It’s Okay Not to Know helps children discover something powerful: Not knowing isn’t failure; it’s the beginning of learning.
This gentle picture book introduces kids to curiosity, self-compassion, and the courage to try again.
A moment nearly every child faces
Children start life naturally curious.
They explore. They experiment. They try.
But as they get older, many begin to believe they have to get things right.
And when mistakes start to feel like failure, curiosity is replaced by judgment.
This story helps children see those moments differently.
Instead of thinking,
“I’m not good at this.”
“I’m not smart enough.”
“I can’t do it.”
They begin asking, “How can I figure this out?”
Curiosity begins where judgement ends.
About the book
Meet Bink.
Bink knows a feeling many children experience but rarely talk about.
The moment when you try something… and it doesn’t work.
Suddenly the thoughts appear:
“I’m not good at this.”
“Maybe I’m not smart enough.”
But Bink discovers something surprising.
Not knowing is where learning begins.
With curiosity and a little self-compassion, mistakes start to look different — less like failure and more like discoveries waiting to happen.
Who this book is for
Perfect for:
-
Children ages 3–7
-
Preschool and early elementary classrooms
-
Bedtime conversations about mistakes and learning
-
Social-emotional learning discussions
-
Kids who feel frustrated when something feels hard
-
Adults who could use a nudge to be kinder to themselves 😉
Reading time: approximately 5 minutes. But the conversation it starts can last much longer.
What educators and experts are saying
Educators
Nothing cuts off a young child's curiosity faster than when they worry about making a mistake or don’t know something. In this brilliant book, preschoolers learn that it's not only okay to have an uh-oh, but it’s also a kind of blessed state, a ‘present’ in Do’s words. It’s an essential part of the journey of discovering ‘what is and what isn't.’ It's a message young children need to hear. I can't recommend this book enough! -- Teacher Tom, author of Teacher Tom's First Book and Teacher Tom's Second Book
Do's new book teaches young children emotional regulation with easy, everyday activities, opening the door for much-needed SEL (Social Emotional Learning). Brenda Do has captured the essence of this in her new book. The use of repetition is essential for young readers. As a Special Education Teacher, the use of simple phrases makes it easy to incorporate into social skills lessons. -- S. Selby M.Ed, Special Education Teacher
It's Okay Not to Know teaches kids that not knowing something is an opportunity to learn and inquire. Educators and parents can use this book to start or extend a conversation about having a growth mindset (I can't do that YET) versus a fixed mindset (I can't do that). Quality books that support this idea can be really beneficial in growing a child's confidence both in school and in general. -- Heather Craig, Mill Park Elementary School Principal
In the highly pressurized world in which we raise our children of today, this simply and beautifully illustrated book reminds readers of the importance of mistakes as a vital part of learning, and the precious gift of self-discovery. The author gently relays that ‘uh-oh's’ are like getting a present of childlike wonder, curiosity, and imagination, and that 'not knowing' builds the vital skill of supportive encouragement of self and others. What a wonderfully endearing and rhythmic read to help instill self-efficacy and empathy in our children! - Alayna Septon, Elementary School Counselor
Experts
The reframing of mistakes and inexperience as opportunities to become curious and to better understand “what is and what isn’t” is, for kids, a terrific antidote to all the misguided messaging they get about the importance of being the best, the first, the smartest, the fastest. It’s Okay Not to Know offers a refreshing perspective on a critical developmental issue. - Janet Sasson Edgette, Psy.D., M.P.H.
This book uses simple language to give children options for turning mistakes into learning experiences and sharing their learning with others. The child-centered, repetitive wording is memorable for a little one, who can use it in their own explorations of their world. The engaging and brightly colored illustrations can capture a young book-reader’s attention. This is a great addition to a young child's bookshelf! -- Julie Thiel, Elementary K-2 Educator and Reading Specialist
This story teaches kids that it’s okay to make mistakes and that good can come from them. My four-year-old quickly picked up on what was going on in the book and how the character felt. We talked about how he felt when he made a mistake, so Do opens the door for parents to have these conversations while enjoying a beautiful story. I love this! -- Lourdes Gonzalez Torres, KSD Migrant Mental Health Therapist
Young children learning in two languages in a Dual Language program will identify with the message in this beautifully illustrated book about looking at challenges as uncovering ‘presents’ when learning new things, and that it is perfectly okay for them to make mistakes, not know all the answers, and to tackle through inquiry the way things work. - Blanca Harvey, Dual Language Facilitator K-8, Biliteracy Instructional Coach
From the author
I grew up as the daughter of Chinese immigrants in a culture where perfection was often the baseline.
That environment produced achievement — but it also created a fear of getting things wrong.
Over time, I learned that true growth happens (and happens faster) when curiosity replaces self-judgment.
I wrote this book to help the next generation learn that lesson early. So they can stay curious, confident, and open to learning throughout their lives.
Because the ideas children learn early shape how they see themselves — and what they believe is possible for their lives.
