Multicultural Children's Book Day Review: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess - A Little Magic

I love books with character-building lessons. The multicultural book I’m reviewing today, Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic, has those and much more!

I was gifted a copy of the book to facilitate my review. This review is honest and my own opinion. This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic by Deedee Cummings; Illustrations by Charlene Mosley (Book 5 of 5)
Publisher:Make A Way Media, LLC
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Pages: 54
Ages: 6-9 (from publisher), 5-10 (from Amazon customers)

Book Description from Amazon:

“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. Mother and daughter soon see how all of the special princess gifts from the past will play a magical role 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 6 to 9, Kayla: 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.“

Bio of Deedee Cummings from Amazon:

“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 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 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.”

You can look inside the book on Amazon.

My Review of Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic

My 9-year-old granddaughter, Zoey, and I each read Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic. We both enjoyed it! I loved that it gives a number of helpful character lessons along with inspiration for dreaming and encouragement in dealing with racial or gender discrimination.

Hair Incident Screenshot from Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic

Many of the details were relatable to Zoey, who’s part Black. Not only was there a natural hair crisis, but she liked the entire book concept.

Zoey is a figure skater who loves being on a synchro team. The part about dance and the dance team had extra relevance because of that. (Note: Zoey read the digital version of the book because she left for an out-of-state synchro competition before the paperback version arrived. I’ll add a photo of her with the paperback version when she returns!)

Kayla’s Broadway dream also had special significance for Zoey. Zoey was very excited about being in her school musical in 2022 until it was cancelled because of the pandemic. (I plan to use YouTube to share more about Broadway and Kayla Pecchioni – who inspired the series – with Zoey and her sister.)

Gender and Racial Trailblazer Inspiration – Screeenshot from Kayla, A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic

For children who have experienced racial and/or gender discrimination, the parts about Kayla’s best friend Tommie (the first female on her college football team) give great advice about being a trailblazer .

This is a wonderful book for focusing on a variety of lessons. I often have one of the Montessori Mindful Breathing Boards from Montessori ReStore available. To extend the book lessons, I like using the star board and relevant affirmations, such as “I work hard. I am confident,” or “I am strong. I am confident.” (Note: There are also free star breathing printables that can be used in the same way.)

This is a lovely book filled with inspiration and positive messages. I plan to share the entire Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess 5-book series with both Zoey and her 5-year-old sister, Sophia. I think Sophia will really enjoy the series, too, but it will be much more meaningful to her if we start at the beginning.

Free Resources to Go with Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess

At Make A Way Media, parents can sign their kids up for the K Club with a monthly email and inspirational materials from Make a Way Media!

“Only one communication a month will be sent from the club. The message will include inspiration, updates about Modern-Day K, special announcements or offers and an activity for club members.”

Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/23) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages

🏅 Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight

🏅 Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press, Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle

🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward

Poster Artist: Lisa We

Classroom Kit Poster: Led Bradshaw

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik

MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!

MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!

Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

📌 FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

📌 Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!

This especially fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 26, 2023, at our virtual party!

THANK YOU to our wonderful participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers!

Link up your book reviews here and use this collection to discover new titles and authors for your home and classroom bookshelves. #ReadYourWorld

More Multicultural Resources

If you’re looking for some wonderful multicultural songs, check out my post with lots of free multicultural songs celebrating diversity and inclusion. It even includes the Multicultural Children’s Book Day Theme Song from 2023!

Here are my main multicultural posts at LivingMontessoriNow.com and here at BitsofPositivity.com:

Happy Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023!

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