Gina Rae Mitchell

Kayla-Dishes, Dancing and Dreams | Children’s Book Review

A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.

Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me the information for this tour.

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a heartwarming story about the importance of family, dreams, knowing your worth, and a determination for growth. Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams is the second book in a five-part series that shines the spotlight on a little Black girl who never lets anything get in the way of her dreams.

Reading stories with characters who look like you, builds self-esteem.
Reading stories with characters who look like our world builds empathy. Kayla shares her world with everyone around her and learns not to judge others along the way. The world is filled with gifts sent directly to you. Staying open to finding them is key.

The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by real-life budding Broadway Star, Kayla Pecchioni: a young Black woman who has always lived her life by believing in herself while letting nothing get in the way of her dreams.

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Purchase Links for Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing and Dreams

Amazon     Amazon UK     Make a Way Media

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My thoughts on Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing and Dreams

n Kayla: A Modern Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams, she explains how even though she is a princess, she has chores to do every day. She’s a “Modern-Day” princess.

While washing dishes and daydreaming out the window, she spies the new boy next door climbing a tree. Concerned for his safety, she decides to warn him about the dangers. While making his acquaintance, she discovers he lives alone with his Dad. They discuss therapy and what works for each of them. Kayla uses dance to work out her feelings, while Tommie uses football. The concept of speaking with a therapist is introduced.

Kayla lets him know the entire neighborhood is there for him. He is never alone.

Kayla not only makes a new friend, but she may also have gained a dishwashing buddy.

The illustrations by Charlene Mosely are colorful and portray the story well.

I think most families will benefit from adding this Kayla tale to their library.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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About Deedee Cummings

Deirdre “Deedee” Cummings believes literacy is a fundamental human right. She is the founder of Make A Way Media, It Pays to Read & the Louisville Book Festival, as well as, an attorney, therapist, and CEO of Abi Behavioral Health in Louisville, Kentucky. Abi is an intensive therapy agency that works to prevent the placement of children in out-of-home care, such as foster care, hospitalization, and incarceration.

Deedee attended Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, one of only two all-female Historically Black Colleges in the country. After graduating from Bennett, she earned a master’s degree and a law degree from the University of Louisville.

All of her writing focuses on sharing inspiring messages that remind us all it is never too late to begin again. Deedee encourages the children she works with to write as a way to process emotions, document their journey, and express themselves more clearly.

In addition to presenting on multiple topics around the country, Deedee donates hundreds of books and volunteer hours every year to families, children, churches, and the local school system.

After many months of a worldwide pandemic and widespread social injustice, Deedee Cummings is proud to release a new series that is not only filled with HOPE but one that is also for ALL children. The 5-book Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series focuses on compassion for one another and the importance of developing and chasing your dreams.

Cummings believes that young readers who see themselves in a book, and see what is possible, will develop stronger self-esteem, increased empathy, and an excitement for their future. As a mom, therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and award-winning author of fifteen diverse picture books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for making the world a better place.

Her children's books are not only fun for kids and adults to read, but they also work to teach therapeutic coping skills, reinforce the universal message of love, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate inclusion for all. Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival; a national literacy-based celebration that will occur every year in Louisville, Kentucky.

She and her husband Anthony live in Louisville with their three children Kayla (an actress in New York), Anthony (a college student and athlete), and Nick (in elementary school).

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest

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Giveaway!

Win signed set of KAYLA: A MODERN-DAY PRINCESS Book Series (one winner) (USA only) (ends July 2)

KAYLA: A MODERN-DAY PRINCESS Book Series Tour Giveaway

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Kayla: A Modern-Day Princes...Shop on Amazon Kayla: A Modern-Day Princes...Shop on Amazon

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I also share many of my reviews on the following websites:

• Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up (Not limited to audiobooks)
• The Inspire Me Monday Link Party
• Inspire Me Monday with Anita Ojeda
• Grammy’s Grid Unlimited Monthly Link Party
• Esme’s Salon Monthly Link-up