Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess-- A Little Magic

by Deedee Cummings, Charlene Mosley (Illustrator)

"Wait till the end! A mesmerizing reveal!""Regardless of race or gender, these are important lessons.""Kayla has grown up!""Inspiring.""Magical!""Kayla saved the best for last! Dreams do come true."Kayla always had a plan. The problem was that a lot of other people had a plan for her too. But as a modern-day princess, Kayla has grown into an independent young woman. So, when she tells her mom that she is on her way home from college with “big news,” the results are some surprises, some honest conversations, and the realization of a lifelong dream. Mom and daughter soon see how all of the special princess gifts from the past will play a magical roll and Kayla’s future. Each gift has a special memory, and each represents a noteworthy milestone in her life. But most importantly, these gifts are filled with confidence, determination, a mother’s love, and A Little Magic. For ages 4 to 11, A Modern-Day Princess—A Little Magic is a wonderful diverse picture book filled with gentle lessons and a vibrant example for kids of all ages that dreams can come true.More on the author and the Deedee Cummings (Author) 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 was 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 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 was recently appointed to the Early Childhood Council by the Governor of Kentucky and is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY every year in October. To learn more about Deedee Cummings and her work, connect with her via her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.Charlene Mosely (Illustrator) Born in Berlin, Charlene Mosley is a fine artist, illustrator, and muralist, who works in oil and watercolor. Charlene has exhibited in both national and international exhibitions. In 2016, Charlene was one of the contributing artists of Loving Vincent, the first fully painted, Oscar-nominated feature film. Mosley’s current work discusses the 21st- century media-driven society and its relationship to technology and nature. She resides in San Diego.

Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2021

About the author

Deedee Cummings is a professional dreamer, author, therapist, attorney, and mom from Louisville, Kentucky. She founded Make A Way Media to create diverse, hope-filled stories for children and adults, and is also the founder of The Louisville Book Festival. Her work—centered on healing, literacy, and the power of starting over—has been featured in Forbes, Essence, USA Today, and NPR. Deedee was appointed twice to Kentucky’s Early Childhood Advisory Council by the Governor of Kentucky and will release her newest children’s book, Hope In the Nick of Time, in the fall of 2025.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to add to your home or class library!
My students enjoyed this book (which is actually part of a five book collection!) about the real-life inspiration, Kayla Pecchioni. Students said they liked that Kayla never gave up on her dreams. They also enjoyed the colorful illustrations and that they could see themselves in a book. They are excited to read the other books and check out Nick’s stories too!
*I did receive this book from the publisher for an honest review

[Jamey Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess (A Little Magic) is a wonderfully written and illustrated story that provides multiple scenarios children might encounter while growing up. Kayla explains her feelings about the situations and takes the reader through her thought process on how to respond. This book will empower growing children to choose their own dreams and plans, be confident and proud in who they are (especially any differences), and handle potential situations with maturity.

[Audrey Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book for free to review. This book has many beautiful drawings. It also has an overall uplifting message. But, the messages felt very forced, and perfect. The things her mom gave her section was too over the top perfect. It was a cute story though in general.