Lilly's Big Day and Other Stories CD: 9 Stories : Book Review

"Lilly's Big Day and Other Stories" by Kevin Henkes is a delightful children's book that features four charming tales centered around Lilly, an adorable little mouse. Each story follows Lilly as she navigates different challenges and experiences in her everyday life, making her adventures relatable and heartwarming for young readers.

The book begins with Lilly's big day at school where she excitedly plans to show off her new purple plastic purse. However, things don't go as planned, and Lilly learns a valuable lesson about patience and consideration for others. This story is filled with humor and teaches important life lessons about humility and kindness.

In the second story, Lilly loses her beloved one-eyed toy lion and is unable to sleep without it. The author beautifully captures the emotions a child feels when they lose something dear to them, and Lilly's determination to find her lion is endearing. This story encourages children to persevere and appreciate the value of cherished possessions.

The third story focuses on Lilly's experience with stage fright during a school play. Henkes skillfully portrays her nervousness and the butterflies in her stomach. Through Lilly's journey, children are inspired to face their fears and find the courage to express themselves.

The final story introduces an unexpected substitute teacher named Mr. Slinger to Lilly's classroom. Despite her initial resistance, Lilly eventually learns to appreciate Mr. Slinger's unique teaching style. This story explores the theme of embracing change and being open to new experiences.

What are readers saying?

Kevin Henkes is a celebrated author known for his delightful children's books. One of his notable works is "Lilly's Big Day and Other Stories," a collection of captivating tales that have received positive reviews from readers. Available in CD format, this book enchants young readers with relatable characters and meaningful themes.

The first story in the collection, "Lilly's Big Day," introduces us to Lilly, an endearing mouse who is excited about being the flower girl at her teacher's wedding. Many readers praise this tale for its charming illustrations and how it addresses the mix of anticipation and nerves that children often feel during important events.

Another story in the book is "Julius, the Baby of the World." It revolves around Lilly's younger brother, Julius, and delves into the jealousy Lilly experiences when a new baby enters the family. Readers appreciate Henkes' ability to explore complex emotions like envy and sibling rivalry, while also highlighting the unconditional love within a family.

"Chester's Way" is another delightful tale included in the collection. It follows the friendship between Chester and Wilson, two mice with unique habits and a shared daily routine. Reviewers commend Henkes for teaching children the importance of individuality and acceptance, as well as his skill in creating endearing characters that resonate with young readers.

The collection also features "Weekend with Wendell," a story where Lilly visits her cousin's house. This tale explores themes of friendship and compromise as Lilly learns to navigate a different environment. Readers appreciate how Henkes subtly addresses the challenges of adapting to new situations and the significance of empathy in building strong relationships.

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