I can't do it.. yet!
By Matt Bawler and Gizem Gözde Uçar

This beautiful picturebook is an essential for any classroom.

Mouse notices that many of his friends are getting disheartened and quitting things they can't do.
They're finding learning new skills very challenging, sometimes even getting hurt while trying.
They just want to give up, yelling " I can't do it!"

Mouse tells them about a new way of thinking about things, saying "I can't do it, yet!"
This helps the animals see their new learning in a different light. They work hard to learn their new skills and even have fun with their mistakes.

This book is a must for any classroom. It would be one of the first books I read to a class, the growth mindset message setting the tone for our classroom. Many children struggle with new learning and can very easily become disheartened like the animals in the story.
I like the way animals are used rather than people, I know a lot of children who would connect well to the characters here.
This book is also useful for reading at home with your own children. The eye catching illustrations and cute animals would also make this a lovely book to read for pleasure.

All round, I enjoyed this book and I know many others who would too.

Book Details

Title: I Can't Do It... Yet!: A Picture Book to Help Children Develop a Growth Mindset
Authors: Matt Bawler & Gizem Gözde Uçar
Series: The Courage Club
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Bloomsbury Education
Publication Date: 30 July 2026

I Can't Do It... Yet! is a heartwarming and engaging picture book that encourages children to embrace challenges rather than fear them. Through its delightful cast of African Savannah animals, the story gently demonstrates that learning new skills takes patience, determination and plenty of practice.

The rhyming text flows beautifully, making it an enjoyable read-aloud for parents, carers and teachers, while the vibrant illustrations keep young readers engaged from beginning to end. Frances the Cheetah, Nathan the Giraffe and their friends each face obstacles that many children will recognise, making the message both relatable and reassuring.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on developing a growth mindset. It reinforces the idea that success doesn't happen instantly and that making mistakes is simply part of the learning journey. The inclusion of helpful notes for parents and educators at the back of the book adds even more value, providing practical ways to continue conversations about resilience, perseverance and emotional wellbeing.

This is a wonderful addition to The Courage Club series and would make an excellent resource for homes, classrooms and libraries. A thoughtful, uplifting story that reminds children that they may not be able to do something today—but with persistence, they will get there.

#ICantDoItYet #TheCourageClub #ChildrensBooks #GrowthMindset #BloomsburyEducation

Another great presentation of the growth mindset from the same series. Generally, subtle.

Teaches and engages, and has relatable illustrations of situations where a child might feel that they are not there yet. But that yet is important, and this book conveys that.

I read this with my 7 (and a half because that is important) year old and she loved it. Whilst we are mostly out of picture books we do dive in every so often for a favourite or if I see something new and interesting. This book absolutely ticked both boxes and 'yet' has become our new favourite word. The humour and stunning illustrations make the moral feel less preachy and heavy for little ones, mine is always a bit suspicious about books with lessons in them as they might be boring but this won her over.

If you have a child who struggles with resilience and gives up easily this might just help them learn that mistakes are normal and just because you can't do something now it doesn't mean you never will.

I will absolutely be looking up the other titles in the series and reading them with my daughter.

I can't do it yet is a perfect book to use in a LKS2 and KS1 classroom. When children get frustrated as they aren't getting things right quickly - this book can be used to teach them that all of the way through life we have to try just that little bit harded and not cry or give up. Sometimes, things are just going to take a little bit of extra time.
The book rhymes, has lovely bright pictures for the children to view and it's an inclusive text. Worthwhile for all teachers to have this range.

I Can't Do It... Yet! by Matt Bawler is a wonderful short book that is perfect for toddlers and young children. The story features various animals attempting to master the skills they are best known for, like a cheetah learning to run, an owl trying to fly and a giraffe finding its footing. When they feel discouraged by their initial failures, a supportive little mouse steps in to encourage them, teaching the powerful mantra: "I can't do it... yet."

This message is ideal for little ones who often lose their patience when learning new things. The book emphasises that mistakes and failures are simply part of the journey toward success. I particularly enjoyed the rhymes and the rhythmic flow of the text, which made it a joy to read aloud to my 3-year-old daughter. The illustrations are funny, colourful, and support the subject perfectly, keeping young readers engaged from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this lovely book.