Destiny Ink: Birthday Secret

About this book

Destiny is very excited to be going to her cousin Lola’s birthday party. They are best friends and cousins, and Destiny’s made Lola a special present. But when Lola is playing with her other friends at the party, Destiny feels left out. She draws a teddy bear – and then meets a talking teddy! Perhaps they can be friends instead? 

This adorable story is warm and gently magical. It will chime with young readers for many reasons. They may relate to Destiny’s feelings of jealousy and being left out, and the birthday party setting is also very familiar. There is a positive depiction of a loving extended family, and of being considerate – for instance, including others in your games, even if you don’t know them. The short chapters and large, clear font, along with the brilliantly energetic illustrations by Sokunbi herself, should appeal to new readers, giving them confidence. Plus, at the back there are step-by-step guides to drawing Destiny, Fuzzy her hamster and Darlene the teddy bear. Delightful.