Octavia Can Do It!

by Liliana Tommasini, Amariah Rauscher (Illustrator)

Octavia is a spunky little girl who loves to bake cookies with her Mama. Mixing flour, butter and eggs are one of her favourite things to do. Today, Octavia wants to do things differently.

When Mama steps out of the kitchen, Octavia takes over with an “I can do it” attitude. But as flour and cocoa cover the walls, cabinets, and countertop, she starts to question herself.

Will her cookies turn out as good as Mama’s cookies?

Octavia Can Do It! is the humorous story of a young girl as she discovers that even the most independent people need a little help sometimes.

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2022

About the author

Liliana Tommasini writes stories encouraging children to explore independently and seek assistance when necessary.

Sharing the magic of storytelling holds a special place in her heart. She believes all children should be able to experience the wonder of books. She is happy spending quality time with her family, mainly engaging in various activities with her grandchildren.

Octavia Can Do It! and Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother are part of the Octavia Dan Do It! series. Her third book in the series will be published in 2025.


Links

Instagram: @lilianatommasiniauthor
Facebook: LilianaTommasiniAuthor
Website: www.lilianatommasini.com

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octavia loves helping her mother bake cookies! One day, Octavia decides that she is big enough to bake cookies all by herself—and she is determined to do so. Her mother offers to help measure ingredients and use the oven, but Octavia becomes impatient when her mother steps out of the room for a phone call that lasts a bit longer than expected. So, Octavia and her brother Ludovic take matters into their own hands and are finished mixing the batter in no time. But will the cookies taste as good as when Mama makes them? This cautionary tale blends the impulsivity of youth with careful, supportive parenting. Written for a younger elementary school-aged audience, this narrative utilizes large passages of text on each page that help to describe what is happening in the illustrations. Often, readers are prompted to ask “is this a good idea?” as each scene unfolds. Filled with rich color and playful font, this book is immediately visually accessible to young children. Child-friendly illustrations complement the text and fill out the majority of each page, incorporating visible charcoal lines and watercolor textures throughout. Readers will not only recognize the impatience Octavia demonstrates throughout the story, but they will also appreciate the tenacious spirit that drives Octavia to try again. At the end of the book, readers will find a recipe for Octavia’s favorite cookies so they can try their own hands at baking. This addition provides a delicious STEM-based extension activity for the book as well as a way for families to bond in the kitchen. Independent young readers and their families will love reading Octavia’s story together, especially as a reflection of the behavior often witnessed at this age. This is a charming addition to home libraries for families with young children.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Kid's Picture Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. It’s exactly what you picture two little kids doing if they tried to make cookies all on their own. People like lots of baking soda, baking powder, and salt in their cookies, right? The characters of Octavia, Ludovic, and their pup are adorable. I really liked the simpleness of the story as it makes for a quick read for bedtime. The only issue now is that my son is begging me to let him make his own cookies. The moral of the story is a great one for my children because they have trouble listening to instructions. Sort of like Octavia not waiting for mom to help her. Kids need to learn to understand that even though they are willing to do things by themselves, that sometimes they need to listen to an adult so that they do it correctly. There is also a bonus at the end of the book that I will be trying out soon - Octavia’s Double Chocolate Cookie Recipe!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet and perfect for anyone with kids or anyone who knows somebody with kids. It's a brave, fun, delicious journey that really does give a positive example to kids about how to be creative and ask for help. If you ask me, that's something even adults could stand to learn. Plus, the author includes a bunch of great resources on her website to empower gown-ups to experience the story and discuss it with their little readers. I highly recommend!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liliana Tommasini's Octavia Can Do It! introduces us to the enthusiastic Octavia, a young girl determined to bake chocolate chip cookies on her own. The story unfolds in a charming domestic setting, where Octavia, under the watchful eye of her mother, embarks on her culinary quest. However, when her mother is momentarily called away, Octavia seizes the opportunity to advance her baking independently, with the assistance of her brother, Ludovic, and their dog, Oslo. This leads to a series of amusing yet challenging moments in the kitchen, encapsulating the complexities of baking that Octavia initially underestimates.

The narrative of Octavia's venture into independent baking is both engaging and heartwarming, reflecting a strong sense of family values and togetherness. The theme of trying new things, even when they don't go as planned, is a valuable lesson for young readers. The involvement of her family, especially the bond between Octavia and her mother, further underscores the significance of shared family experiences and support in learning new skills. Amariah Rauscher's illustrations, executed in a blend of charcoal pencil and watercolors, add a vibrant and distinctive visual element to the story. The artistic style complements the narrative effectively, enhancing the book's appeal to its young audience. An interesting aspect of this book is its roots in the author's personal life, drawing inspiration from her grandchildren, Octavia and Ludovic, who serve as the main characters. This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity to the story. Furthermore, the inclusion of 'Octavia's Double Chocolate Cookies' recipe is a delightful touch, inviting readers to partake in Octavia's baking adventure.

Octavia Can Do It! is a delightful read for children aged 4-8. It marks Tommasini's impressive debut in children's literature, weaving an entertaining and educational tale. The book promises a journey of learning, challenges, and family bonds and is recommended for young audiences.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia zipped through the house on her purple scooter declaring that she was a big girl. She felt so big, in fact, she decided she could make chocolate cookies all by herself. In the kitchen, mama had all the ingredients already on the counter. Octavia told her mama she could make cookies for her, papa, and Ludovic her little brother. Her mama said she would assist since she couldn’t work the oven by herself and that she would help her use the measuring cups.

But when Mama received a phone call Octavia became impatient and began mixing the ingredients by herself. Unfortunately, she had more ingredients on the counter and floor than she did in the bowl. Octavia hadn’t used the measuring cups correctly and left out some of the ingredients. She noticed the batter was very stiff. How do you think her cookies turned out?

A winner of the Mom’s Choice Award, this delightful story shows kids that they can do anything they set their minds to but sometimes it’s not a bad idea to ask an adult for a little help. Pastel watercolor illustrations show the action and bring the story to life. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use this as a tool to discuss when kids may need help and how it is best to learn with an adult and then try a task on their own.

[Kidliomag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia Can Do It! by Liliana Tommasini
Octavia Can Do It! is an amusing story that encourages children to become independent but at the same time teaches them to ask for help when needed and follow the instructions of their parents.
Octavia is a cute little girl who loves to bake cookies with her Mama, but one day, she decided to bake chocolate chip cookies by herself.

When Mama steps out of the kitchen, Octavia takes over with an “I can do it” attitude.
Join Octavia and her little brother on their baking adventure in the kitchen as they sprinkle flour and cocoa all over the walls and countertop. Octavia learns that it is good to believe that you are capable but asking for help when needed makes you stronger and wiser, as the most independent people need a little help sometimes.

This story is all about magical adventure, and children will learn the importance of listening to elders, following the rules, and many more things along the way.
Perfect for 3+
Grab your copy from Amazon.

[Holly DiBella-McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story is not only fun and engaging, it provides many learning opportunities in the areas of language arts, math and social skill development. We loved the characters, especially Octavia who is a girl with high self-esteem and a humble heart. I also appreciate that you can use this book as a learning tool in a classroom as part of a unit. This book is a favorite on our bookshelf.

[~*Trema*~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is my review:
https://anovelexperience2011.blogspot...

[Hanna Kowalewska]

Highly recommended!

So sweet book! Love the illustrations and the story. The characters captured my heart forever.❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much!😊
Highly recommended!