Ella Minnow P. is a sweet and clever picture book that follows a bright little girl named Ella on her first day of school. Excited to learn and meet new friends, Ella introduces herself during a name game, only to be met with giggles because her name sounds suspiciously like the trickiest part of the alphabet song. As the class struggles to recite the letters past “K,” Ella draws strength from her name and confidently sings the entire song, earning cheers from her classmates and ultimately helping them remember the tough part. More importantly, she shows kindness and empathy to those who once laughed at her, turning a moment of teasing into a lesson in courage and friendship.

I loved how this picture book turned a simple pun, “Ella Minnow P.,” into something that felt meaningful and empowering. It’s lighthearted and fun, but also carries real heart. The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers. The way Ella turns a moment of embarrassment into triumph felt really satisfying, and I appreciated that the message wasn’t heavy-handed. It felt like a genuine moment any kid could go through, and the solution came from confidence and kindness instead of an adult swooping in to fix it.

What I really liked was Ella’s response to the teasing. She doesn’t just bask in her success; she makes a point to reach out to the classmate who laughed at her. That felt powerful. It would’ve been easy to let the story end with her being the hero, but instead it went further to show what empathy looks like. The idea that even young kids can choose to be kind, especially after being hurt, makes this more than just a fun classroom tale.

I’d recommend Ella Minnow P. to parents, teachers, or anyone helping a child start school or navigate new social situations. It’s especially great for kids who feel nervous about fitting in or getting laughed at, because Ella shows them that being yourself is actually your superpower. It’s joyful, warm, and wise.

Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0F42YJXSR