Brenda Bellingham

At first I was concerned that this book would not hold my five year olds attention because of the length of it and because not every page had pictures. She likes to look at the pictures. The book not only held her attention but mine as well. The story was really cute how much Lilly was concerned about her brother's allergy and what may happen to him. The book followed Lilly's babysitting adventure with her brother and the day following. I liked how Lilly and Theresa talked about death and gave the bird a proper burial. I got a chance to explain death and where people and animals go after they die. I enjoy real life stories that I can talk to her about. Even the situation when Lilly's brother did not want to share his new toy he received for his birthday. This is definitely a book I would purchase for her in the future for her to read and add to her book collection.… (more)

Reviewed by Me for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

The FIRST NOVEL series of books are great ways to introduce your children to reading. Whether they are younger children (Grades 1-3) who are just learning to experience reading longer- length books, or older children who are reluctant to read a full-size novel, these books will do the trick.

The great thing about books such as LILLY TAKES THE LEAD is that they also deal with serious subjects in ways that children can understand. In this particular story, Lilly and her friends, Kendall and Theresa, get into an argument over whether or not eating healthy matters. When Kendall, who is in the middle of eating a chocolate bar, begins to call Theresa fat, Lilly tries to keep the peace, with mixed results. When Kendall later collapses during a run, though, all three girls realize that saying is one thing, but doing is another.

This is a nice, easy read with an important message, laid out with very short chapters for children who don't have long attention spans. I highly recommend the FIRST NOVEL books for all beginning or reluctant readers.… (more)