Published: September 9, 2022

Little Red’s Publishing

Genre: Children’s Activity Fiction

KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Cortney Palm is an award-winning actress (Herringbone) best-known for Zombeavers. Palm has a background in gymnastics and swimming and was captain of both teams. She went on to study performance art at California Lutheran University. She furthered her studies and obtained a 4.0 in her masters program for forensic psychology. Palm works with children as a camp counselor, nanny, and gymnastics coach. Curious about consciousness and spirituality, Cortney ventured to the Amazon rainforest to learn from shamans and journey with the sacred plant medicine Ayahuasca. This spiritual journey inspired her to write the children’s book “The Adventures of Aya & Friends – Garden of Patience.” She wanted the illustrations to be as colorful and vibrant as possible to reflect the beautiful, healing world that Ayahuasca opens up for people. As a vegan and animal rights advocate, Palm can be found volunteering at sanctuaries or protesting. When she isn’t working with kids, volunteering, or working on her new self-help book, she can be found free-diving, hiking, healing clients, reading tarot, meditating, or reading.

Leanne Blakey-Novis is a graphic designer and illustrator living on the south coast of England with her husband and children. Leanne has expanded from logo design to book covers to illustrating children’s books and providing interior artwork for adult titles.

“Aya knows that self-love is essential and that a big part of loving yourself is shown through self-care.”

Aya is enthusiastic, curious, and ready to explore her world! She learns many lessons, offers pearls of wisdom with sweet moments, and takes advantage of the opportunity to teach young minds to grow.

This was a charming story. I loved Aya, from her bubbly personality to her sweet heart.

This is an excellent book to read with children. The illustration is beautiful, and the vivid colors bringing the words to life make the story even more engaging.

I enjoyed how interactive the book was, offering fun facts and asking questions. This would be a fantastic tool for a child learning to read. The story flows nicely, and the cadence is well done.

The bright colors and obvious positivity radiate from the pages. There is a lot of talent within these pages, between the lovely story and the stunning artwork—a carefully crafted book, filled with love, light, and positivity.

I think this could become a series, and little Aya is the perfect leading lady. I enjoyed her fun-filled day and the lessons that went along with it.

The questions and color page at the end is also an excellent way to engage and reward children. This was beautifully done and was a passion project for all involved.