Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess–Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams (Book 2)

Name: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess--Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams (Book 2)
SKU: 10905
Availability: InStock

Paperback

$11.95

Description

In this second book of the five-part series Kayla continues chasing the dreams that fill her heart, especially her love for dancing and performing. But life isn’t always as simple as practicing dance moves and imagining the bright lights of the stage. At home, Kayla is learning that growing up also means helping out, navigating big feelings, and trying to understand the complicated world around her.

When Kayla meets a new friend, she quickly discovers that everyone carries their own story. As she learns more about what her new friend is going through, Kayla begins to understand the importance of empathy, kindness, and not judging others too quickly. Through their friendship, she discovers that even when life feels confusing or hard, whether it’s changes in family life, divorce, or struggles with mental health, having a friend by your side makes a big difference.

The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess seriescelebrates the power of representation and reminds young readers that seeing characters who look like them helps build confidence, while stories that reflect the world around us help grow empathy and compassion.

Inspired by real-life Broadway star Kayla Pecchioni, the series follows a determined young girl who believes in herself and refuses to let anything stand in the way of her dreams.

Author Deedee Cummings

Deedee Cummings is a professional dreamer. She is also an author, therapist, attorney, and mom from Louisville, Kentucky. Cummings founded Make A Way Media in 2014 after struggling to find books with characters who looked like her own children and an extreme lack of stories that reflected their life experiences. Books published by Make A Way focus on hope, diversity, social justice, and therapeutic skills for children and adults. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Forbes, NPR, USA Today, Essence Magazine, Psych Central, well+Good, and The EveryGirl, among other media outlets. In 2021, she was appointed to the Kentucky Early Childhood Advisory Council by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and reappointed to a second term in 2025, acknowledging her decades-long service to the children and families of Kentucky. Cummings is also the founder of The Louisville Book Festival. She was inspired to work to highlight and celebrate a culture of reading in her community after working as an in-home therapist and visiting homes of children who had no books. Cummings believes literacy is a fundamental human right. Her work highlights inspiring messages that remind us all it is never too late to begin again.

Illustrator Charlene Mosley

Charlene is a German-American fine artist and illustrator based in San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Art from San Diego State University. She has traveled worldwide to create art and to immerse herself into different cultures. Charlene has illustrated various award-winning children’s books and other literary works. Creating illustrations for children’s books has been one of the artist’s favorite things to do. Every time she reads a new manuscript, it gives her imagination the freedom to embark on another colorful journey of exploration and discovery. Besides being an illustrator, Charlene is also a muralist and fine artist.

Awards:

Purple Dragonfly Award Winner

Reviews:

Phenomenal story with beautiful illustrations!!!

From the moment I looked at the cover of this book, I knew that I was going to love this story. I love how the first page of this story mentions the fact that Kayla is a princess, but she still does things to help around the house. This is already a wonderful lesson to teach children! As you continue to read the story, you will see these beautiful illustrations of a princess who befriends a new kid in the neighborhood. You will find that this story is very relatable to many children and can teach them a variety of important lessons! As an educator, I believe each child should know who they are, what they are capable of, and they should not let anything get in the way of their dreams! I highly recommend you read this story!!! It is just wonderful!!

-Ashley Price

Beautifully Written Book About Modern Day Topics

As I was reading this book and the new relationship of Kayla and Tommie, I began to think of conversations I have heard between my students on the playground. The content within this story is very relatable in today’s world and for our little humans. I feel this story has lightly touched on various hard topics but handled maturely and lightly in the story and left open for positive discussion for parents and young readers. We can’t wait to read the next story!

-David H

Big emotions, little story

Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams touched me differently than the previous Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess book did.

My favorite line of the entire story is “Even though Kayla is a princess, she still has to help out around the house.” Y’all. I am going to tell my kids that even modern-day princesses have chores and see if that kicks their rears into gear to help do their chores!! Kayla said so!

Kayla is a bit of a bossy pants, but she soon learns that something trivial and small, really isn’t a big issue; some people have bigger problems, such as her new friend Tommie.

The story leads us to knowing that not all families are the same; therapy is okay; and therapy doesn’t necessarily mean seeking out a therapist, but having a positive outlet for your emotions and feelings.

And we cannot forget the message that all children are special and matter!

-Leels

Wonderful Book!

Great book for ALL kids

We have both books in this series so far. Both have a beautiful positive message featuring brown lead characters. The best part is the story has nothing to do with your skin color. It is just a beautiful message about the everyday life of a hardworking black family. Great values and great message about never giving up on your dreams. I recommend this book for girls AND boys of all backgrounds! All of my kids love this book even the littlest just loves to stare at the beautiful pictures and hear the words.

–Porchusa Combs