Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo (review)

Reviewed by: Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo Cassidy Russell Castillo, Lauren Just Like Millie; written and illus. by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick, 2024 40p Trade ed. ISBN 9781536224818 17. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs A shy little girl narrates her experience in a new apartment with her mom, where End Page 246 she feels cozy and safe. A good thing, too, because the kiddo is very, very shy—scared to meet other kids her age, have playdates, or go to storytime. Mom doesn't force her out of her comfort zone, but she does give her a surprise when they go to an animal shelter to meet Millie, the little girl's new dog. Millie's friendliness to strangers shows the little girl that meeting new people doesn't have to be scary, culminating in the little girl bravely introducing herself to a brand-new friend. Caldecott Honor winner Castillo's vibrantly colored ink, watercolor, and pastel drawings add texture and life to every detail, from the blonde hair shared by the little girl and her mother to the untrimmed grass in the dog park. The quiet story is given life by its drawings' dynamic use of space, ranging from full-page, wordless scenes to smaller vignetted moments to a particularly sweet introduction to Millie, whose leash spreads across two pages as she meets the little girl for the first time. The importance of feeling safe is a central theme, both with mom's non-judgmental repetition of "Okay" when the little girl doesn't feel comfortable doing something and with the refrain of "It felt safe" when the little girl does try something new. Millie's constantly wagging tail makes this story a hopeful read-aloud for any family whose members struggle with shyness. Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois