Title: Once Upon a Boy
Author: Laure A. Stack
Publisher: Selfpublishing.com
ISBN: 979-8893167504
Pages: 28
Genre: Children’s Books / Sleep / Self-Esteem / Family Life
Reviewer: Christina Avina
Pacific Book Review
Throughout childhood, one of the most difficult things children can deal with in their life is the thought of loneliness. Those earliest years are the most formative to a child’s development, which includes social skills, and those children who feel disconnected or isolated in any way from other children their age face difficult life choices further down the road, making the need to make friendships as a child that much more important.
Lessons in self-worth, friendship, and the power of dreams drives author Laure A. Stack’s Once Upon a Boy. The children’s book follows a young boy named Liam, who faces a lonely life away from other children. One day, a simple wish to play with others brings a new group of friends into his life, and through a series of whimsical adventures he learns valuable lessons about life and his overall potential.
Magical and fun, this children’s story did a marvelous job of capturing the impact an experience can have on a child, especially when it concerns making friends. The balance of fantasy-driven magic and real-world social interactions will resonate with both children and parents alike. The bright and warm illustrations from artist Marila Andrieleva captured the wealth of imagination this story harnessed, and the fast pacing of the book matched the cadence and beat of each element of the narrative.
Readers who enjoy children’s books, especially those that delve into books on sleep, self-esteem, and family life will absolutely love this book. The themes of the power of imagination and dreams that the story delves into and how reality is shaped by people’s belief that they can shape their life made this journey of self-discovery so impactful and easy to get lost in. The way this book brings parents and children together and encourages early childhood friendships will instantly hook readers, and the magical story that unfolds is a feel-good moment full of emotional depth which makes this book stand out. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
