The feelings I have. They are hard to explain.
Trying to express the pride I have after writing a series about a little kickbutt brown girl who never lets anything get in the way of her dreams is hard. The words roll around in my heart and mind, but struggle to move past my lips. This journey started with a successful (and grueling!) Kickstarter Campaign and is coming to an end as I send the final proofs of the final book off to the printer. To watch this series being “born” is a lot like parenting.
Filled with hills, valleys, tears, and lots of joy.
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is not a mirror of my daughter’s real life, but it is definitely inspired by her.
One night, as I was busying myself around the house, I found myself reflecting on these last five months and how, by October, FIVE diverse picture books will have come off the presses (so to speak) at my company Make A Way Media. Wow. Just, WOW.
Then I find one of her childhood dance shoes and I break down into tears. In a good way. A loving and remembering way.
Through my tears, I can’t explain the time, love, or sacrifice that went into raising my little girl into a strong and determined young woman. I can’t explain beauty. I can’t explain grace. But I know all these things exist. They exist in me. They exist in the world. And they exist in you.
They say parenting is the hardest work you will ever do. I say that it is also the most rewarding work you will ever do.
Our children are the mirrors of us. Make sure the reflection you see is the best it can be.
Power forward, mamas!
About the Series
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by real-life budding Broadway Star, Kayla Pecchioni: a young Black woman who has always lived her life by believing in herself while letting nothing get in the way of her dreams. You can read the interview with this beautiful, triple-threat entertainer here.
“The world is filled with gifts sent directly to you. Staying open to finding them is the key.” ~Deedee Cummings
About The Author
As a therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and author of fifteen children’s books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for ensuring equality, inclusion, and social justice for the next generation. Since her first book published in 2014, Cummings has been on a mission to help young dreamers and doers “see themselves” in the pages of the books they read.
Cummings has spent more than two decades working within the family therapy and support field, and much of her writing shares her experiences of working with kids in therapeutic foster care.
By the end of 2021, this #OWNVOICES author will have fifteen diverse children’s books to her credit, including the Rapid Release of her Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess five-book series. All fifteen of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life.
Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY, celebrated on October 23rd and 24th, 2021.
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Series
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Series Book One is HERE!
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. This five-part diverse picture book series shines the spotlight on a little brown girl who loves musical theatre and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. It seems that everyone else has an idea for who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.
Grab your copy of Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess (Book One) in the Make A Way Media Bookstore or on Amazon in paperback form or for Kindle.
GO HERE to order your copy of Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams (Book Two in the Kayla: Modern-Day Princess series).
Available on Amazon and Kindle.
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: Tough as Tulle is available! Order your copy HERE.
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: These Shoes Are Made For Dancing will be available on August 1, 2021!
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: A Little Magic will be available in October of 2021!
