With CAKE, LEMONADE, AND SPRINKLES, author Aishah Hight delivers a heartwarming tale with an all-too-important message speaking to the universal childhood experience of finding one’s place among peers. The story follows London, a young girl grappling with the seemingly monumental task of choosing the perfect costume for her upcoming birthday party. As her classmates excitedly discuss their plans to dress as caped superheroes and uniformed soldiers, London finds herself caught between the desire to fit in and the urge to express her unique interests—setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and celebration.
At its core, CAKE, LEMONADE, AND SPRINKLES is a gentle exploration of self-expression and individuality. Hight’s narrative skillfully captures the anxiety that often accompanies childhood decision-making. As London listens to her classmates discuss their costume choices on the school bus, her indecision grows, highlighting the very real pressure children can feel to fit in and conform. The turning point, however, comes when London’s mother offers some wisdom, encouraging her to embrace her uniqueness: “As long as you’re being yourself, you can’t lose. Your light will shine through any costume you choose.”
Using a rhyming narrative, Hight transforms this often-complex aspect of growing up into an accessible and engaging tale for young readers. The rhythmic flow of the text also helps to soften the edges of London’s anxiety, presenting her struggle in a way that’s both relatable and reassuring. The vibrant illustrations (courtesy of Whimsical Designs by CJ) are another highlight here. London’s world is brought to life via bold, expressive colors and a diverse cast of characters—perfectly complementing the story’s upbeat tone.
For all of its (many) strengths, there are a couple of areas where CAKE, LEMONADE, AND SPRINKLES falls into the “good, but not great” category. For instance, while striking, the black text is small and occasionally struggles to stand out against some of the busier backgrounds. The narrative also feels a bit rushed, undoubtedly a reflection of the weighty themes Hight explores. A message this important and nuanced would undoubtedly benefit from a slightly higher word/page count.
However, CAKE, LEMONADE, AND SPRINKLES still succeeds in its primary goal of encouraging young readers to celebrate their individuality. The book’s themes of self-expression and parental support are presented in an engaging and easily digestible way, offering an important reminder that being true to oneself is always in style.
A joy to read aloud, Aishah Hight’s CAKE, LEMONADE, AND SPRINKLES is a perfect read for parents and educators looking to spark conversations about identity, peer pressure, and the joy of self-expression with their young ones.
~James Weiskittel for IndieReader