Millie Muffin written and illustrated by Alisha Henderson
Storybook Sweet series. Bauer Books, 2019. ISBN:
9781925695984.
(Age: 4-8) Highly recommended. Themes: Self-esteem, Confidence,
Belonging, Well-being, Acceptance, Recipes. Millie Muffin is
the very first tale in the Storybook Sweet series written by
young Melbourne baker, Alisha Henderson. Millie feels that she is a
plain old boring muffin and does not have much to offer the rest of
the sweet treats on Buttercream Bend. She aspires to be like the
Cupcake Girls who are all glitzy and glamorous with their icing
decorations. While on her daily stroll she meets other treats who
are also feeling lost and lacking in confidence about how they look.
Millie kindly points out what makes them special and realises that
she is not the only one unhappy with her looks. She finally realises
that what is on the inside counts for so much more than looks.
The reader is drawn to the simple, yet colourful illustrations. The
clever rhyming text further enhances the story and keeps the reader
focused. The writer has also included five recipes at the end of
story which children can bake with an adult. This picture book will
be an asset to any classroom or home where children are struggling
with low self-esteem and lacking in confidence.
Kathryn Beilby