Book Review and Giveaway
Join us for this book series tour from May 24 to Jun 25, 2021!
A five-book series, Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth.
Series Details:
Series Title: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess by Deedee Cummings
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7)
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Make a Way Media
Release date: April 2021
Content Rating: G
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series of #OWNVOICE books is for Dreamers and the Doers of all ages. This diverse picture book series is a heartwarming look at the importance of family, speaking our truth, dreaming freely, and knowing our worth. Book 2 is part of a five-part series that shines the spotlight on a little Black girl who never lets anything get in the way of her dreams.
Parents, Caregivers, and Educators: By investing in this series, you help every child see that Black and Brown girls can be leaders, princesses, and the stars of their own stories. Children need to read stories that include characters who look like them. Offering these types of books to young readers is an essential part of building self-esteem, cultivating empathy, encouraging tough conversations, and letting children of color know they matter.
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by real-life budding Broadway Star, Kayla Pecchioni: a young Black woman who has always lived her life by believing in herself while letting nothing get in the way of her dreams.
Book Title: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess by Deedee Cummings
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 24 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Make a Way Media
Release date: April 2021
Content Rating: G
Book Description
“Daughters often learn their place in the world by watching their mothers claim theirs.” ~author, Deedee Cummings
The first in a five-part series, this diverse picture book shines the spotlight on a little brown girl who loves musical theater and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. Everyone else has an idea of who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.
The story also reveals the special family dynamic that Kayla shares with her mom; a hard-working woman who struggles with the guilt of not being as available for her young daughter as she would like. But as the story progresses, Kayla and her mom realize the impact of valuing the time they have together as well as the importance of seeing each other acknowledge (and pursue) their individual dreams. {ages 5 and up}
Amazon ~ Make a Way Media
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My Thoughts Regarding
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess
Kayla is the child of a hardworking mother who, for the most part, only sees her daughter before she leaves for work every morning. At that time she asks what Kayla’s plan is for the day, since she says a plan gives hope and dreams. And since Kayla is usually in bed by the time her mom gets home in the evening, once a day visiting is all they usually have time for. However, Mom tries to make it quality time.
But one evening Kayla is told that she can stay up and wait for her mother to get home, since her mom has good news to share. Of course, good news to a child is sure to be gift-related. So Kayla spends some time imagining what it might be.
In this case, I’m going to share more of the story so that My Concerns will be better understood.
When Mom gets home she refers to Kayla this way,
Her mom gave her a big hug and said, “How is my sweet little princess in her tower?”
Kayla then asks if she has a present for her. Her mother reminds her that she had big news, she didn’t say a gift. The news?
“I got a promotion.”
Now most kids might feign happiness because of good training, but let’s face it, that’s more of an adult-thing. However, after her announcement Mom admits she does have a gift for Kayla, a sparkly tiara for her little princess. And with the tiara Mom assures her that she should always be treated like royalty and ignore unkind remarks, etc.
And here’s my last quote:
“ . . . In Kayla’s eyes, her mom saw all of the hopes and dreams she ever had. A journey that, in this moment, made all the hard work worth it. In her mom’s eyes, Kayla saw her hopes and dreams for her future. A role model to follow.”
This series, Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is based loosely on the life of Broadway actress Kayla Pecchioni.
My Concerns
As I mentioned, I ended up relating more of this story than I normally do in hopes that my concerns might be better understood.
But before offering any thoughts under this heading, I felt it only fair to do my research. I needed to know more about Kayla Pecchioni’s life. What I found out was pretty incredible. Click if you’d like to learn more.
On to my concerns. Please bear in mind that this review and these concerns only apply to the first book in this series. I will be reviewing books 2-3 in the next few days. My concerns were:
- I didn’t think this felt much like a picture book because of some of the wording.
- Was the point that a promotion was worth more than quality time with her child? I know mom was supposed to be a role model, but it felt like she abandoned her family for her personal goals.
- The princess-in-a-castle part didn’t feel like it added much to the plot.
What I Really Liked
- The illustrations were bright and very kid-friendly
- The idea of having more picture books that represent role-model characters is a plus.
- A picture book that supports that each of us are special is wonderful
- Reaching for the stars regarding goals is a wonderful thought. At least one to be discussed.
My Final Thoughts
Though this particular book doesn’t completely work for me, the idea does. And I feel confident that I know where the author was headed with her thoughts, I just didn’t feel it came out right for me.
Bottom line: If this sounds good to you, without a doubt give the series a try. I’m very excited to read the next book. Watch for my review tomorrow.
My Dreams
(A new heading created just for this book)
I’d love to see the author write real-life books, biographies. And I would suggest books for older children since I think her writing style and vocabulary would be a fit. And the last bit of my unsolicited remarks: I’d love to read DeeDee Cumming’s autobiography. Even adults need role models.
I was given a copy of this book and allowed to share my review with no prior stipulations.
Rating: ☆☆☆
Watch for my Coming Review
Book Details:
Book Title: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams by Deedee Cummings
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 29 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Make a Way Media
Release date: June 1, 2021
Content Rating: G
Buy the Book:
Book Details:
Book Title: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: Tough Tulle by Deedee Cummings
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 29 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Make a Way Media
Release date: July 1, 2021
Format available for review: print
Tour dates: May 24 to June 25, 2021
Content Rating: G
Buy the Book:
Make a Way Media
As a therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and author of fifteen children’s books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for ensuring equality, inclusion, and social justice for the next generation. Since her first book published in 2014, Cummings has been on a mission to help young dreamers and doers “see themselves” in the pages of the books they read.
Cummings has spent more than two decades working within the
family therapy and support field, and much of her writing shares her experiences of working with kids in therapeutic foster care.
By the end of 2021, this #OWNVOICES author will have fifteen diverse children’s books to her credit, including the Rapid Release of her Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess five-book series. All fifteen of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life.
Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY, celebrated on October 22nd and 23rd, 2021.
connect with the author: website ~ make a way media ~ twitter ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Tour Schedule:
May 24 – Cover Lover Book Review – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 24 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
May 25 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
May 26 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 26 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
May 27 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
May 27 – Books for Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess
May 28 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book series spotlight /giveaway
May 28 – Books for Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams
May 31 – Westveil Publishing – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
May 31 – Books for Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle
June 1 – Westveil Publishing – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 2 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 2 – Westveil Publishing – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 4 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 7 – She Just Loves Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess
June 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 8 – She Just Loves Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams
June 9 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 9 – She Just Loves Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle
June 9 – Pick a Good Book – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 10 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 10 – Pick a Good Book – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 11 – Rajiv’s Reviews– book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess
June 11 – Pick a Good Book – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 14 – Rajiv’s Reviews– book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams
June 15 – Rajiv’s Reviews– book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle
June 15 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 16 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 16 – Splashes of Joy – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 17 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 17 – Splashes of Joy – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 18 – Splashes of Joy – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 18 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
June 21 – Laura’s Interests – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 22 – Leels Loves Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 22 – Laura’s Interests – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 23 – Leels Loves Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 23 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess / giveaway
June 23 – Laura’s Interests – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 24 – Leels Loves Books – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
June 24 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams / giveaway
June 25 – Kam’s Place – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess
June 25 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Tough as Tulle / giveaway
Giveaway Alert
KAYLA: A MODERN-DAY PRINCESS Book Series Tour Giveaway
