Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles
by Aishah Hight
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
ISBN: 9798986333250
Print Length: 32 pages
Reviewed by Toni Woodruff
A bright, lighthearted story about letting your star shine
London’s birthday is coming up, and everyone on the school bus is talking about what they’re going to wear to her costume party. Magicians, superheroes, even ones with a strong familial connection—but London has no idea what she’s going to choose. There are too many options, and she has to get it right. It’s her party.
Who else comes to the rescue than the superhero in most kids’ lives? Her mom! “You, my love, are one of a kind. / Like a star in the sky, you’re a unique design.” London learns that being herself could be the best way forward—for this party and for always.
This young girl loves science and technology, so how easy it is to decide when she considers following that love. Enter: London, the interstellar astronaut! On party day, she’s shining just like her friends and classmates are, but each in their own way. The party is a smashing success as London is beaming from ear to ear and they march down the street in their own impressive, colorful parade. It’s truly a birthday to remember.
There are different kids’ books for different occasions. There are ones that teach, that amaze, that entertain, that help your little ones consider things from new perspectives. But the ones I’m always eager to read are the lighthearted ones! The issue London encounters is real and commonplace while not weighing the book down in the least. Any kid will be glad to spend time in this vibrant little story about being yourself, no matter what mood they’re in.
The message behind the book is a wonderful one, imparted by an exemplary mother character. Be yourself, and amazing things can happen. London is such a cute, sweet kid, and I love that she’s represented as a science-fanatic. It’s a book that inspires young girls to get into STEM while celebrating everybody’s unique interests and talents.
The art is adorable enough to hug. The characters are drawn with such personality and buoyancy; you can really feel the elation as London finds herself in her space suit. These kids are having a blast, and yours will be just as excited at the prospect of dressing up with their friends.
The title doesn’t exactly fit the story being told, but on the story, art, and rhyming levels, it’s about as strong of a kids’ book as you can ask for. It’s got a stellar representation of a caring mother with wise, practical advice that goes beyond just the costume party—“As long as you’re being yourself, you can’t lose.”—and it’s a story that sparks enough imagination on the part of the reader that they will venture to their own dress-up closets moments after finishing it.
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