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Troop Esme
Esme always has a plan. A funny and sweet early illustrated chapter book about a problem-solving girl who decides to start her own badge-earning troop . . . and makes a new friend along the way. For fans of Dory Fantasmagory.Esme lives with her grandparents on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building. She has just met a future friend named Wendall who came to her door selling Troop Badger cookies. He is hoping to earn his Cookie Empresario badge. Esme thinks she would like to earn a Cookie Empresario badge too! One small she is not in Troop Badger.But Esme is a problem solver! She decides to start her own Troop Esme. It will include all the neighbors in the topmost best building. And her first act as troop leader? Help Wendall sell all his cookies, of course!A funny and delightful story about cookies, badges and most importantly, friendship.
- GenresFriendshipChapter Books
80 pages, Hardcover
Published August 13, 2024
About the author
Lourdes Heuer
21 books17 followersLourdes Heuer is a children's author, poet, translator, and college professor.
She holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is Associate Professor of English at Broward College.
She currently lives in South Florida with her husband, son, and many dogs.
She holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is Associate Professor of English at Broward College.
She currently lives in South Florida with her husband, son, and many dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 11, 2024
A rather frenetic story with wonderful and engaging illustrations. This would definitely appeal to kids of an adhd bent but I found the lack of cause and effect off-putting; things just happen without rationale. Best suited for children who like very fast paced stories.
Thanks to Tundra Books for the review copy.
Thanks to Tundra Books for the review copy.
July 26, 2024
Great vocabulary. Story of friendship and what it means to work together.
January 13, 2025
Full review coming soon, but this is a super cute book that reminds me of a book I loved as a kid called Jellybeans for Breakfast. It really isn't similar, but I guess the style it's written in makes them similar.
Updated Review 01/13/2025
Troop Esme by Lourdes Heuer and Marissa Valdez is an illustrated chapter book for young children between the ages of three and eight. It opens with Wendall stopping by Esme's apartment to sell boxes of his Badger Troop Cookies to earn a badge. Esme thinks it would be a great idea to start her own troop called Troop Esme so she can help Wendall achieve his goal.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing me an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Troop Esme for free in exchange for my honest review. Although I'm not the target audience for this book, I knew I just had to read and review it because my cat that passed away was named Esme.
First and foremost, the pacing of the story was fantastic. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. Parents, teachers, siblings, etc. won't get bored reading the story for the umpteenth time. The style of writing reminds me of a book called Jellybeans for Breakfast that I read and loved as a child. Needless to say, I absolutely feel in love with Troop Esme. The illustrations are fantastic as well. It gives the reader a lot of different visualizations to complete the story.
Secondly, the story teaches children a lesson about helping others without it feeling like it's teaching a lesson. It gives adults the perfect opportunity to have a discussion afterwards and even put together a project of helping out someone, even if it's a simple as taking the mail up to an elderly person's front door.
This is definitely a book that I will recommend to teachers and friends with children between the ages of three and eight. Five out of five stars is what I give Troop Esme by Lourdes Heuer and Marissa Valdez.
Updated Review 01/13/2025
Troop Esme by Lourdes Heuer and Marissa Valdez is an illustrated chapter book for young children between the ages of three and eight. It opens with Wendall stopping by Esme's apartment to sell boxes of his Badger Troop Cookies to earn a badge. Esme thinks it would be a great idea to start her own troop called Troop Esme so she can help Wendall achieve his goal.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing me an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Troop Esme for free in exchange for my honest review. Although I'm not the target audience for this book, I knew I just had to read and review it because my cat that passed away was named Esme.
First and foremost, the pacing of the story was fantastic. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. Parents, teachers, siblings, etc. won't get bored reading the story for the umpteenth time. The style of writing reminds me of a book called Jellybeans for Breakfast that I read and loved as a child. Needless to say, I absolutely feel in love with Troop Esme. The illustrations are fantastic as well. It gives the reader a lot of different visualizations to complete the story.
Secondly, the story teaches children a lesson about helping others without it feeling like it's teaching a lesson. It gives adults the perfect opportunity to have a discussion afterwards and even put together a project of helping out someone, even if it's a simple as taking the mail up to an elderly person's front door.
This is definitely a book that I will recommend to teachers and friends with children between the ages of three and eight. Five out of five stars is what I give Troop Esme by Lourdes Heuer and Marissa Valdez.
January 30, 2025
I won a copy of Troop Esme for review and here's the honest review.
Troop Esme is a delightful and heartwarming story that explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of adventure-driven narratives or just in the mood for an uplifting read, this novel offers something for everyone.
The story follows the journey of Esme, a young girl with a passion for exploration, as she navigates the complexities of growing up and finding her place within her community. The narrative is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of Troop Esme—a troop of young girls who face both internal and external challenges as they come together to form a tight-knit and supportive team.
What truly stands out about Troop Esme is the author's ability to create characters that feel real and relatable. Esme is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is moving and inspiring. Her interactions with her fellow troop members highlight the importance of empathy, collaboration, and the strength that comes from supporting others. Each member of the troop brings something unique to the table, making the group dynamic both interesting and engaging.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of intense emotion and action offset by quiet, introspective passages that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters. The author skillfully blends humor, heartache, and triumph, making this a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
In addition to the compelling storyline, Troop Esme also tackles important social issues, including themes of acceptance, identity, and the importance of community. The author doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, but handles them with sensitivity and grace, making it a thought-provoking read for young readers and adults alike.
Overall, Troop Esme is a beautiful story of friendship, resilience, and finding strength in numbers. Whether you read it for the adventure, the emotional depth, or the relatable characters, it is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Troop Esme is a delightful and heartwarming story that explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of adventure-driven narratives or just in the mood for an uplifting read, this novel offers something for everyone.
The story follows the journey of Esme, a young girl with a passion for exploration, as she navigates the complexities of growing up and finding her place within her community. The narrative is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of Troop Esme—a troop of young girls who face both internal and external challenges as they come together to form a tight-knit and supportive team.
What truly stands out about Troop Esme is the author's ability to create characters that feel real and relatable. Esme is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is moving and inspiring. Her interactions with her fellow troop members highlight the importance of empathy, collaboration, and the strength that comes from supporting others. Each member of the troop brings something unique to the table, making the group dynamic both interesting and engaging.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of intense emotion and action offset by quiet, introspective passages that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters. The author skillfully blends humor, heartache, and triumph, making this a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
In addition to the compelling storyline, Troop Esme also tackles important social issues, including themes of acceptance, identity, and the importance of community. The author doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, but handles them with sensitivity and grace, making it a thought-provoking read for young readers and adults alike.
Overall, Troop Esme is a beautiful story of friendship, resilience, and finding strength in numbers. Whether you read it for the adventure, the emotional depth, or the relatable characters, it is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
November 27, 2024
Selling cookies and forming a troop turn into a big adventure and may bring a new friendship, too.
Esme is busy with her two friends, gazing out the window from her family's highest floor apartment, when they spy a boy named Wendall. Esme's never met him before but intrigued from determination to sell Troop Badger cookies and earn a badge. First, she forms her own troop. Then, it's off to help him sell the needed one last box of cookies. It should be easy, but things don't turn out as she expected.
This tale follows a very energetic girl and her amazing determination to help someone out. She's like a little whirlwind as she goes from one neighbor to the next with Wendall at her side, and it's hard not to like her and be a little inspired. Each of the neighbors holds quirky characteristics and personalities to make every moment a surprise while adding in a good-sized portion of humor. The story does take a round-about way of steering the plot, and instead, does more of a situation to situation through the chapters. So it meanders while giving the characters tons of personality.
Beginning readers, who are pretty sure of their words, will enjoy the short sentences, larger font, and lighter amount of text on each page. Even the chapters are kept short to allow for plenty of pauses during the read. While these aspects make it an easy read, more than a couple tougher vocabulary words and terms are tossed in. A few of these might require a little assistance from older readers.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and carry the story as much, if not more, than the text. Not only do these bring across the atmosphere, scenes, and character personalities nicely but also pack humor. They also work as a great crutch to help understand the tale if the reader does need a little guidance on their own.
It's a fun read with energy and friendship goodness.
Esme is busy with her two friends, gazing out the window from her family's highest floor apartment, when they spy a boy named Wendall. Esme's never met him before but intrigued from determination to sell Troop Badger cookies and earn a badge. First, she forms her own troop. Then, it's off to help him sell the needed one last box of cookies. It should be easy, but things don't turn out as she expected.
This tale follows a very energetic girl and her amazing determination to help someone out. She's like a little whirlwind as she goes from one neighbor to the next with Wendall at her side, and it's hard not to like her and be a little inspired. Each of the neighbors holds quirky characteristics and personalities to make every moment a surprise while adding in a good-sized portion of humor. The story does take a round-about way of steering the plot, and instead, does more of a situation to situation through the chapters. So it meanders while giving the characters tons of personality.
Beginning readers, who are pretty sure of their words, will enjoy the short sentences, larger font, and lighter amount of text on each page. Even the chapters are kept short to allow for plenty of pauses during the read. While these aspects make it an easy read, more than a couple tougher vocabulary words and terms are tossed in. A few of these might require a little assistance from older readers.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and carry the story as much, if not more, than the text. Not only do these bring across the atmosphere, scenes, and character personalities nicely but also pack humor. They also work as a great crutch to help understand the tale if the reader does need a little guidance on their own.
It's a fun read with energy and friendship goodness.
December 2, 2024
I won a copy of Troop Esme for review from LT's Early Reviewers and here's the honest review.
Esme lives on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building, and is in the midst of a Very Important Friday meeting with the Garcia girls and El Toro (her cat who is an absolute delight), when a knock at the door interrupts a spy mission. In walks Wendall, a Troop Badger rep, and immediately Esme is hooked. On the cookies he's selling and more importantly, of making her own Troop once she learns that even if she helps Wendall earn his most coveted badge, she can't earn a badge as she's not a Troop Badger rep. Fear not, Esme's off and running with a million ideas about how to set up Troop Esme, and hijinks ensue as she sets about getting her troop off the ground, befriending Wendall, and also trying to actually help him sell that last box of cookies for his badge.
When I was a kid, my favorite kinds of books were those with illustrations that you could go back and find something new each time you cared enough to look. Pair that with a good story and I was hooked. I'm pleased to say kid!me would've been head over heels in love with Troop Esme. It's beautifully illustrated with enough detail to keep you entertained and mesmerized for ages, along with a fun and cute story that begs to be read aloud. There's just enough repetition to capture a kid's interest but not so much that adults on their 137th re-read will want to cry and Esme herself is adorable.
The story is simple but sweet and the art sends it soaring. Looking forward to giving this as a gift to the goddaughters and I have no doubt they'll love Esme and El Toro as much as I do.
Esme lives on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building, and is in the midst of a Very Important Friday meeting with the Garcia girls and El Toro (her cat who is an absolute delight), when a knock at the door interrupts a spy mission. In walks Wendall, a Troop Badger rep, and immediately Esme is hooked. On the cookies he's selling and more importantly, of making her own Troop once she learns that even if she helps Wendall earn his most coveted badge, she can't earn a badge as she's not a Troop Badger rep. Fear not, Esme's off and running with a million ideas about how to set up Troop Esme, and hijinks ensue as she sets about getting her troop off the ground, befriending Wendall, and also trying to actually help him sell that last box of cookies for his badge.
When I was a kid, my favorite kinds of books were those with illustrations that you could go back and find something new each time you cared enough to look. Pair that with a good story and I was hooked. I'm pleased to say kid!me would've been head over heels in love with Troop Esme. It's beautifully illustrated with enough detail to keep you entertained and mesmerized for ages, along with a fun and cute story that begs to be read aloud. There's just enough repetition to capture a kid's interest but not so much that adults on their 137th re-read will want to cry and Esme herself is adorable.
The story is simple but sweet and the art sends it soaring. Looking forward to giving this as a gift to the goddaughters and I have no doubt they'll love Esme and El Toro as much as I do.
November 10, 2024
Disclaimer: I won this book through a giveaway and promised to write a review. So here it is!
My 9 year old daughter and I read this together at bedtime and honestly, it was ADORABLE. We both loved the illustrations immediately. Not just the artwork but the fun details throughout, as well as the placement of it throughout the book. Might sound like a silly thing, but it helps to keep it interesting when the art + words are in different spots on each spread.
The moment we finished my daughter said “5 out of 5… 10 out of 10 if I could.” I asked her to tell me 3 things she likes about it, other than the illustrations. She said, “I loved the ending, that was really sweet. I loved that she (Esme) was very determined and persistent. And it was funny - especially the cat [illustrations].”
As a parent, I also give it 5/5. I loved all of the characters helping out (and that they weren’t all children) and that they worked hard to reach their goal. Esme and Wendall have different personalities but they just jumped right in to helping each other. It was cute, fun writing/language to read with some repeating elements, and a positive theme and storyline.
While it’s probably a bit young for a 4th grader, this is an excellent book for kiddos that are not quite ready for chapter books but can read on their own. Maybe 2nd grade reading level? Honestly, I think it’s enjoyable for 2nd-5th graders and even younger if they have help reading or it’s read to them.
My 9 year old daughter and I read this together at bedtime and honestly, it was ADORABLE. We both loved the illustrations immediately. Not just the artwork but the fun details throughout, as well as the placement of it throughout the book. Might sound like a silly thing, but it helps to keep it interesting when the art + words are in different spots on each spread.
The moment we finished my daughter said “5 out of 5… 10 out of 10 if I could.” I asked her to tell me 3 things she likes about it, other than the illustrations. She said, “I loved the ending, that was really sweet. I loved that she (Esme) was very determined and persistent. And it was funny - especially the cat [illustrations].”
As a parent, I also give it 5/5. I loved all of the characters helping out (and that they weren’t all children) and that they worked hard to reach their goal. Esme and Wendall have different personalities but they just jumped right in to helping each other. It was cute, fun writing/language to read with some repeating elements, and a positive theme and storyline.
While it’s probably a bit young for a 4th grader, this is an excellent book for kiddos that are not quite ready for chapter books but can read on their own. Maybe 2nd grade reading level? Honestly, I think it’s enjoyable for 2nd-5th graders and even younger if they have help reading or it’s read to them.
November 12, 2024
Troop Esme is a beautifully illustrated early readers chapter book for children. The art is engaging, unique and well done. I think this book is best suited for children ages 7-9 years old. The story itself felt a little all over the place and took several tangents that I feel distracted from the message of the story. I do think that the concept of Esme starting her own troop after seeing her “friend” Wendell was in a troop was a creative storyline though. I appreciate the inclusion of larger vocabulary words despite the young target age range as I believe that introducing more vocabulary words at a younger age is helpful for children. I feel like this story could have been improved my condensing the story to a more cohesive and less tangential plot. For me, the illustrations really carry this story. 3.5 ⭐️’s.
Thank you to Tundra books and LibraryThing for a complimentary hardcover copy of Troop Esme.
Thank you to Tundra books and LibraryThing for a complimentary hardcover copy of Troop Esme.
November 6, 2025
Esme is at it again with a fun challenge that she tackles with her friends and neighbours.
Instead of competing with Wendall for cookie sales, Esme forms her own troop with the help again of her fun building peeps. (Esme's Birthday Conga Line was the first book.) Kids can learn about being resourceful, making new friendships, and spending time with interesting neighbours.
Marissa Valdez's illustrations are top notch, they really bring the story alive. She has an eye for detail that's a pleasure to see. I particularly enjoyed looking out for what El Toro was up to.
I won this book in a LibraryThing giveaway for my LFL #Verobeachlittlefreelibrary.
Instead of competing with Wendall for cookie sales, Esme forms her own troop with the help again of her fun building peeps. (Esme's Birthday Conga Line was the first book.) Kids can learn about being resourceful, making new friendships, and spending time with interesting neighbours.
Marissa Valdez's illustrations are top notch, they really bring the story alive. She has an eye for detail that's a pleasure to see. I particularly enjoyed looking out for what El Toro was up to.
I won this book in a LibraryThing giveaway for my LFL #Verobeachlittlefreelibrary.
November 15, 2025
This is a beginner’s chapter book for young readers. I love the illustrations. They’re lively and colorful. Esme is quite a character and full of life. She is assertive and adventuresome but also very caring and thoughtful. In her pursuit of helping her friend Wendell earn his cookie badge, she enlists the help of each of her neighbors. But in the end, realizes she is the one who can actually help him. I like repetition and almost poem-like feeling. It gives parents and teachers “food” for discussions with their kids on goals, working hard, helping others, etc. I think this is a great book for young readers.
October 1, 2025
This wasn't a family favorite - I get the premise, and I understood the intent, however, I didn't see it playing out well.
Overall: 3 ⭐
Plot: 3📍
Illustrations: 4🖌️
"I'm better, me, me, me," even if that's later fixed, isn't a message I want to even introduce in any positive light. Kids naturally trend towards that behavior and I would have preferred to see it negatively portrayed up front, and then corrected down the line.
Thank you to Lourdes Heuer, Tundra Books, and. NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
All opinions are my own.
Overall: 3 ⭐
Plot: 3📍
Illustrations: 4🖌️
"I'm better, me, me, me," even if that's later fixed, isn't a message I want to even introduce in any positive light. Kids naturally trend towards that behavior and I would have preferred to see it negatively portrayed up front, and then corrected down the line.
Thank you to Lourdes Heuer, Tundra Books, and. NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
All opinions are my own.
February 6, 2025
love Esme! Esme's Birthday Conga Line is one of my favorite transitional chapter books and Troop Esme is a perfect follow up. The pacing is perfect with simple enough sentences, but plenty of personality from the ensemble of characters. This is a great read-aloud for pre-k students who have the stamina for a chapter book, and is also good for 1st-2nd graders who are reading independently.
I highly recommend Troop Esme for all schools and libraries.
I highly recommend Troop Esme for all schools and libraries.
March 11, 2025
This is an early chapter book about Esme and her deciding to make a new friend of Wendall. Wendall is part of a Badger troop. Wendell is trying to sell their last box of cookies. Esme can’t be a badger so she decides to make her own troop instead. Through the people in her building, she makes costumes and patches and a motto, etc. Through this her friendship with Wendall bloomed. This book is fine. It’s a tad long for my taste, but I do like the illustrations.
October 29, 2025
With its bright, action-filled artwork and short chapters punctuated with short, snappy sentences, this will make for fun reading time for beginning or reluctant readers. Each chapter introduces a few difficult vocabulary words. The text is humorous and hopeful while Esme and her friends never give up on their goals, work together to find solutions, and include loving and supportive adults in their quest.
December 16, 2024
I read Troop Esme with my 7 and 9 year old daughters and they loved it. They thought it was funny and Like Esme and her friends. I liked the illustrations and thought it was a very cute and fun story. It was a quick read and my kids didn't want to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for review!
August 9, 2025
Sweet story about a friendship and community. Fast paced, begginer chapter book with diverse characters. I loved that the author included a sprinkle of words from different languages throughout the book. Marissa Valdez did an amazing job with the illustrations.
*Thank you to Tundra Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
*Thank you to Tundra Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
This early chapter book continues the series Esme! about an imaginative, problem-solving little girl. Esme is an avid explorer and fearless planner. Building a troop of her friends and neighbors demonstrates the strength found in friendship and collaboration. The story is a positive message of resilience and empathy.
June 15, 2026
Troop Esme is about a girl who wants to earn Badger badges, but she isn't in a troop. She decides to make her own and help a current Troop Badger sell all his cookies. The illustrations are very cute and the page count would be better for kids ready for beginning chapter books.
Thanks to Tundra Book Group and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
Thanks to Tundra Book Group and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
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April 9, 2025I like the illustrations and the introduction of some new vocabulary kids might not know, but the story itself was a bit choppy. The first book in the series, Esme's Birthday Conga Line, was a stronger and more cohesive story; as are the books in the author's Seashell Key series.
November 8, 2024
Early Chapter Book - Super cute about a girl who meets a a kid in a troop (AKA Boy Scouts) and decides to start her own troop. I love the pictures in the book and it's a early chapter/early reader
November 8, 2024
Cute chapter book for emerging readers. Full color illustrations are extra fun.
February 3, 2025
This was so cute! I loved the focus on friendship and how Esme introduced everyone to Wendall. I loved the badges! This was just what I needed!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews