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What Did You Do At School Today?
What Did You Do At School Today?, by C.C. Lacavera, is an adorable, engaging picture book that encourages meaningful conversations between parents and children. It turns the simple question, “What did you do at school today?” into an imaginative adventure, transforming ordinary school experiences into playful and poetic moments. From counting to infinity, creating colorful art, or even pretending to sail with pirates, this book captures the boundless curiosity of childhood. With lyrical rhymes and whimsical illustrations, Lacavera helps make talking about school fun and inviting.
I really enjoyed how the author makes everyday school activities sound magical. The rhyming questions, like “Did you clap your hands to the beat or whistle a tune? Did you play flutes and trumpets or bang drums that go boom?” make even routine music class sound exciting. The playful rhythm of the words pulls you in, and I found myself smiling while reading. The way Lacavera brings energy to the simplest things—drawing with glitter, building castles in the sand—feels authentic to how a child sees the world, full of wonder and endless possibilities. The writing shines because it’s both fun and interactive. It’s almost impossible to read this book without wanting to ask a child, “Well, did you draw something with googly eyes today?” The questions are an invitation, sparking real conversations that let parents share in their child’s day. When Lacavera asks, “Did you blow like the wind and sail out to sea?” it almost dares you to imagine what kind of games your child played. Yet, not every page is packed with action—there are moments that encourage stillness and reflection, like counting ants in the grass. It’s this variety that keeps the book fresh from start to finish.
What Did You Do At School Today? is a delightful read that’s perfect for parents and caregivers looking to make conversations about school more engaging. It’s great for children who are just starting school or even for families who love creative storytelling. The book makes you want to sit down, cuddle up, and just let your imagination run wild together. For any parent who’s struggled to get more than a “Fine” when asking about their child’s day, this book is a game changer.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0DG9C46BG
Definitely: A Story of Empathy and Kindness
Definitely: A Story of Kindness and Empathy invites readers into a single, eventful day in the life of Matthew, a spirited, curious young boy heading off to school with excitement and grand plans, most of which revolve around his love for bears and time with friends. As the day progresses, Matthew finds himself navigating a series of small but significant mishaps, familiar hurdles for any child. He forgets his backpack, loses a crayon, knocks over a friend’s block tower. Yet, rather than becoming overwhelmed, he learns to manage these moments with the gentle support of his classmates.
Through these ordinary yet impactful situations, the story subtly introduces themes of empathy, perseverance, and collaboration. Each challenge Matthew encounters is met not with scolding or frustration, but with kindness, understanding, and teamwork. It’s a quiet, meaningful lesson in how children can show up for each other, even when the day doesn’t go as planned.
One particularly endearing moment comes early in the story, when Matthew proudly announces to his mom that he’ll be learning about bears at school. That small burst of excitement feels genuine and familiar, a snapshot of childhood curiosity that young readers will instantly recognize. Equally relatable are the scenes where things go awry; they’re not dramatized, just honest portrayals of how a child’s day can take sudden, unexpected turns.
What stood out to me most was how the author, Sara Brown, captures the emotional intelligence of children in such a natural, effortless way. The narrative never lectures. Instead, it shows kids solving problems together, forgiving one another, and staying kind. Even as Matthew forgets things or makes mistakes, his friends remain patient, offering solutions instead of criticism. It’s a refreshing and realistic portrayal of supportive peer relationships.
The illustrations add another layer of charm. Lively, warm, and full of subtle details from the scribbles on the chalkboard, the classroom wall art, even the expressive face of Matthew’s beloved teddy bear, each page offers visual delights that deepen the reading experience.
Parents and educators will appreciate the built-in opportunities for discussion. At the end of the book, a “Think About It” section encourages reflection through gentle questions tied to the story’s themes. It’s an excellent tool for guiding young readers through conversations about problem-solving, kindness, and emotional awareness. And, of course, the long-awaited bear facts Matthew learns bring a fun and informative close to his day, something he (and readers) can celebrate.
Definitely: A Story of Empathy and Kindness isn’t just a story about one boy’s school day. It’s about how children can rise to small challenges with resilience, how kindness becomes a steadying force, and how friendships help shape us. I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers, and anyone working with young children. Thoughtful without being heavy-handed, sweet without tipping into sentimentality, it’s a gem for storytime and beyond.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0F1YVF3W4
Always Growing
New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister follows a little girl whose family is expecting a new baby, leaving her with some big emotions she is unsure of how to deal with until her big brother steps in and guides her through them. What was the inspiration for your story?
My kids have been my inspirations for the whole Super Big Brother series. My debut book, Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, was inspired by my two children. Their acts of kindness and the special growing milestones they shared became the foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support which inspired the third book, Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister. I wanted to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one another, and embrace the power of family bonds.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Yes, I certainly do. As a parent, watching your child navigate the emotions of welcoming a new sibling into the family, it can be both beautiful and challenging. With an over six-year age gap between my children, I witnessed firsthand how the shift in attention can impact the firstborn—suddenly they’re no longer the sole focus and they are learning to share love and space. No matter if you’re the first child, second, third, or beyond, these feelings are deeply valid and worth acknowledging. This experience aligned perfectly with the heart of the Super Big Brother series, and the story of a new baby in the family felt like one that simply had to be told.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
As the third book in the series, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself by building on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained so far. One of my main goals was to make this story longer and to explore a different style of illustration that better aligned with the theme. Growth and development are key to improving as a writer, and learning from past experiences was important to me in ensuring these new creative goals were successfully met.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have just finished writing the 11th book in the Super Big Brother series which now is going for final edits. This, however, will become my 5th book to be published as I love the topic and cannot wait to get it launched.
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Embrace the Power of Family Bonds
Super Big Brother – The Big Brave School Day follows a nervous little girl as she heads off on her first day of school, and her big brother is there every step of the way to help her feel brave. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My debut book, Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, was inspired by my two children. Watching my son naturally step into the role of a mentor to his younger sister—who looked up to him as her hero—deepened my appreciation for their growing sibling bond. This connection inspired me to create stories that reflect the different stages of childhood and the unique relationship between siblings and this lead to the creation of Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The acts of kindness and the special growing milestones the siblings shared became the foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support. These were the important messages and ideas I wanted to share. I aspire to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one another, and embrace the power of family bonds.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Super Sam guides Little Lulu into school is the most special and heartfelt moment for me. It was inspired by a real photo I took of my daughter on her first day of school, with her big brother gently holding her hand and leading her through the school gates. That simple, loving gesture captured the strength of their sibling bond—a moment so touching, it simply had to become part of the story.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister, was published in November 2024. This ten-book series has two more exciting titles set to be released soon. Watch this space!
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister
New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister tells the story of Lulu the Little, who’s facing some big feelings about the even bigger change coming her way. A new baby in the family! She’s overwhelmed, unsure, even a little jealous. But her big brother Super Sam steps in, cape and all, to gently guide her through her emotions. He shows her how to be a “Super Big Sister,” helping her see that she can still be loved and be helpful, brave, and important in this brand new family setup.
As a mom of two this picture book hit close to home. When Lulu asks, “Will Mommy and Daddy forget about me?” Ugh. That line cracked my heart right open. It’s exactly the kind of fear kids don’t always say out loud but definitely feel. And I absolutely adored how Sam handled it. He didn’t dismiss her feelings, he leaned in. He gave her his cape and walked her through what being a big sibling really means.
The writing is catchy, with rhymes that are easy and fun to read aloud. And again, the illustrations are so colorful and inviting. My daughter loved spotting “Cuddles” the teddy bear hiding in every scene. Plus, the activity pages at the end are a great bonus. We sat down together afterward and named baby items and did the word search. It made the book feel like more than just a read. It was a whole little bonding moment.
I’d say this children’s book is a must if you’ve got a little one about to become a big sibling. Especially if they’re on the fence about the whole baby thing. It opens the door for honest chats and big hugs. It’s gentle, reassuring, and full of heart.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DN1BTN79 | Blueberry Illustrations
Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day
Super Big Brother – The Big Brave School Day follows Lulu the Little as she heads off for her very first day of school. Naturally, she’s nervous, but her big brother, Super Sam, is there every step of the way to help her feel brave. The story gently walks through her rollercoaster of emotions — from the shy walk to class, to belly rumbles before lunch, to playground mishaps — all the way to that touching moment at the end when she wonders if maybe she can lead the way next time. It’s got rhythm, rhymes, and a lot of heart.
As a mom who’s walked her own little one to class with a lump in her throat, this book hit me right in the feels. I loved how real Lulu’s worries felt — that line where her stomach growls and she starts to scowl? Been there. And I adored Super Sam. What a wonderful big brother! He’s not just her guide; he’s her safe place. The moment when he swoops in after she falls on the playground? My heart just melted. It’s such a relatable sibling dynamic, and I could see my own kids in these two. Plus, the writing is so accessible. No big fancy words. Just pure, playful rhymes that are fun to read out loud (and believe me, I read it three times in one night!).
And the illustration are so bright and cheerful. There’s this clever little scavenger hunt built, which kept my daughter totally engaged. She was flipping back through the pages looking for him before I even finished the story. That interactive element made the picture book feel like an experience. I also appreciated the subtle lessons layered in — about being kind, about listening, about building confidence through baby steps.
I’d say this children’s book is a win for any child getting ready for school — and for us moms who are trying not to cry behind our sunglasses at drop-off. It’s especially perfect if your child has a sibling because it celebrates that special bond in such a lovely, respectful way. But even if not, Lulu’s bravery stands all on its own.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CLRMGPRS | Blueberry Illustrations
LITERARY TITAN 