Gina Rae Mitchell

Kayla: Modern-Day Princess: Tough as Tulle by Deedee Cummings | 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.

This beautiful diverse picture book is a heartwarming story about family matters, role models, dreams, gender diversity, and discovering a determination for growth.

As the third book in a five-book #OWNVOICES series, Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess shines the spotlight on the evolving life of a little brown girl who loves musical theatre and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams.

Kayla series was inspired by the author’s own daughter and Broadway actress, Kayla Pecchioni.

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Purchase Links for Kayla: Modern-Day Princess: Tough as Tulle by Deedee Cummings

Coming Soon!!

Available now through Make-a-Way Media

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My thoughts on Kayla: Modern-Day Princess: Tough as Tulle

Deedee Cummings is back with the third installment in the Kayla: Modern-Day Princess series.

In Tough as Tulle, Kayla is worried about her friends that don’t like themselves. She writes a letter in her journal to her grandmother in Heaven asking for advice.

Everything different is special except for people. Why don’t other people love the color of their skin, their hair, their body, etc. Why is being different a bad thing for people?

When her brother claims girls can’t play football, Kayla wants to prove him wrong. Little do they know the surprise Kayla’s friend Tommie has in store for them.

This book introduces the concept of gender bias, self-esteem, and more. As an #OwnVoices series, Kayla is learning and teaching more to children every day.

Since the book hasn’t been released yet, I am unsure of the age group this book is targeting but I feel like it’s a little older than the previous two books. Kayla’s language skills seem a bit older and she is journaling now.

The book has a nice, quick pace and the illustrations are spot-on.

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

Visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win. 

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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