Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Diverse Book Series

By Julie Yeros

We are honored to be a Co-Host and Book Reviewer for the annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) event. Join us in celebrating diverse literature today – and every day!

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of Book 5: A Little Magic for review purposes; however, all opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and making a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All proceeds help support our free global education website. Thank you!

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Diverse Book Series

“Kids of ALL colors need these stories of HOPE and stories that show them what is possible. Dreams give us hope and this is especially true, and needed, for children from marginalized populations.” ~Author Deedee Cummings

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a five-part diverse book series that was inspired by the author’s own daughter and Broadway actress, Kayla Pecchioni.

In the illustrated books, Kayla – a young girl who loves musical theater – grows into an independent young woman who consistently shows her determination to never let anything get in the way of her dreams.

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess A Little Magic is the fifth and final book in this series. Kayla’s lifelong dream is becoming a reality, and she is heading to Broadway!

In the most touching part of the story, Kayla’s mother presents all the special things she had gifted her princess over the years. Each treasure comes with a special memory – representing different milestones in Kayla’s life – and reminders for her future.

Kayla is prepared, with her

tiara to move through the world confidently – never forgetting that she is regal and destined for great things
fancy gloves to symbolize lessons of responsibility, hard work, and the consistency needed to make dreams a reality
the tulle skirt that Kayla believed helped her win a football game – and would continue to help her feel invincible when she danced
sparkly dance shoes that represented the importance of standing up for yourself and never being afraid to walk away from things that don’t feel right

And we are left at the end of the book cheering her on!

Kayla is an inspiring role model for all children to see that Black and Brown girls can be leaders, princesses, and stars of their own stories.

#1: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess

Purchase the Book: Make a Way Media / Amazon

#2: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams

Purchase the Book: Make a Way Media / Amazon

#3: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess –Tough as Tulle

Purchase the Book: Make a Way Media / Amazon

#4: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – These Shoes Are Made For Dancing

Purchase the Book: Make a Way Media / Amazon

#5: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic

Purchase the Book: Make a Way Media / Amazon

Meet the Author

Deedee Cummings: therapist, attorney, author, and CEO of Make A Way Media. Her diverse picture books, poetry books, and workbooks aim to teach coping skills, reinforce the universal message of love, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate inclusion for all. Cummings’ work has appeared in Essence Magazine, USA Today, Forbes, and the Huffington Post.

Browse other titles by Deedee Cummings. (A middle-grade series and a script to continue the story are expected. Stay tuned!)

Meet the Illustrator

Charlene Mosley: fine artist, illustrator, and muralist working in oil and watercolor. She was one of the contributing artists of Loving Vincent, the first fully-painted, Oscar-nominated feature film.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022 (1/28/22) is in its 9^th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

Join us on Friday, Jan 28, 2022, at 9 pm EST for the 9th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party! Be sure and follow MCBD and Make A Way Media on Twitter!

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. See you all very soon on Twitter!

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.