Today I'm Not Laurel

by Kayla Hicks

Paperback

Published January 7, 2024

About the author

Hicks has been building her multi-genre career since 2014, her first novel being the young adult dystopian book, Kale Stone: An Outliers Tale. Since then, Hicks has gone on to publish several other works in the genres of YA, Superhero Fiction, and Children's books.

In addition to this growing collection of work, Hicks has made several appearances:

- The Lancaster Native Plant and Wildlife Festival to present her children's book Dandelion
- Lititz Public Library Indie Author Event to present all of her works to readers
- Adamstown Elementary Schools Read Across America Day to present Dandelion to 100 students
- U-Gro Learning Center to share Dandelion with young readers
- The Writing Community Chat Show

And has been featured in Lancaster Online for both The Backup Superhero and Today I'm Not Laurel.

Hicks enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter and reading in her spare time.

Reviews:

"Towards the end, during one of their times hanging, I was in tears. I'm such a sap when the right mood and words hit. This is one book that just fit at the right time and found me in the right mood. Anywhere Else is exactly what I needed and I can't recommend this one enough for those who just want something sweet and uplifting."- Bookn.All.Night for Anywhere Else

"It's a short work. In fact, if you're a fast reader like myself, you'll have this done in a couple of hours, but don't let that fool you. It's an wonderful read with interesting characters that you want to know more about as well as the world they live in and you're definitely left wanting to know what happens next!"- Steve Vimes for The Backup Superhero

"This is an incredibly powerful and moving read. From the first few pages this is emotionally charged and deals with some difficult issues for a young character. Sadi is such a strong female lead, and Parker was a brilliant bestie too. I felt for both of these characters from the off. Some surprising events and a moving outcome."- Bobs and Books Blog for Secrets They Never Told

"What a lovely colourful book. Kayla's art work pops with colour and cheer, this beautiful book, with its tale of acceptance and how everyone (every flower) is different, and is a must for all children to have on their bookshelves."- Chris Horn for Dandelion

Reviews

[Carlotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Today I'm Not Laurel because it showed the story of a young girl using her creativity and imagination to explore different careers as she goes through her day with her parents. It is about community, understanding imagination and then different phases a kid can experience in their day. It also teaches the reader about various careers and how it is okay to change your mind and learn about yourself and want to do different things. Childhood is so much about imagination and exploring to figure out who you want to be and what you want to do with your day. I really loved how Kayla was a preschool teacher and provides lesson plans and learning activities for teachers based upon the story so that they can continue to explore the ideas in their classroom.

[Collings MacCrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely trip through a day in the life of Laurel, an imaginative child with great ambition and curiosity to match. We see her try in several possible careers and work through what each means.

[James Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

With simple, clear illustrations and a bright story that reminds me of my own strong-willed daughter, this storybook reads like any number of the dozens I was read-to as a child. Enjoyable, quirky and instructional, the author does a great job keeping learning minds engaged.

-I was given an Advanced Reader Copy and am happily leaving a review.