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Expanding your world

Posted by MADreads on Feb 28, 2025 - 2:58pm
A review of Just Like Millie by
Lauren
Castillo

A young girl gains courage and confidence from her friendly pup in Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo. The quiet protagonist is reluctant to leave the cozy and safe apartment she shares with her mom. The big city feels too big and too full of people. Her mom encourages her to go to the park, meet new neighbors, and visit a storytime. These all feel hard and scary. Enter a puppy.

Mid-story we see the mom and daughter visit an animal shelter and choose a small pup named Millie. The little dog gets them out and about walking around the city. They even visit a dog park! Millie meets up with all sorts of new dog friends – “Millie did what she does best-made friends.” Millie’s warm and friendly nature inspires the young girl to do the same! “And just like Millie, I made a friend.” The ink, watercolor, and soft pastel illustrations pair wonderfully with this sweet story.

Explore other books illustrated by Lauren Castillo, such as Yard Sale, This Is a Story, and Nana In the City.

--reviewed by Tracy