In Carrie Can't Choose a Costume by Joy Hardin, Carrie has always found making decisions difficult and with Halloween fast approaching, she must decide what outfit to wear. Will she dress up as a footballer, a knight or a mermaid, or will she simply dress as a ghost? The amount of choices is making Carrie's head spin with confusion. Her mother thinks she should dress up like a queen with a dazzling crown. Although Carrie's family tries to help, she still cannot decide. Carrie begins to lose sleep with worry until, suddenly, the answer appears to her like magic. Carrie is so happy she finally worked out her problem all by herself. She can now attend the Halloween party but what outfit did she decide on?

I have reviewed many children's books but I have never read such a delightful story with a surprising twist at the end. The story kept my interest throughout, I loved the rhyming feature of the narrative and I thought the illustrations were captivating. There were so many conversation opportunities throughout the book where you could engage with your child and discuss issues that may be concerning them, such as not worrying over what others may think, trying to live your life to please others and learning how to make choices on your own. The child will also learn the importance of helping others and understanding that although competition is good, it should not be at the cost of your happiness. This book would be invaluable in school libraries to instill self-confidence in children. I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the book where the author involves the reader in a discussion and there is even a great printable of Carrie too.

Carrie Can't Choose a Costume by Joy Hardin is an endearing, imaginatively written book for young children. Carrie is having a hard time choosing a perfect costume for Halloween. As much as she would like to win the costume competition, she also wants to have a good time without getting too stressed about having the perfect costume and focusing solely on winning the competition. Her family tries to be helpful by suggesting various costumes that she could possibly wear but choosy Carrie is unable to make up her mind. Is there a way Carrie can avoid being in a dilemma? Should she choose one of the options that her folks seem to be keen on? Does she decide for herself? Is it okay to sometimes just follow your heart? The twist in the tale lifts this story to a whole new level.

The story takes such a cute turn at the end that it leaves one with a warm, fuzzy feeling in the heart. Carrie Can't Choose a Costume by Joy Hardin is a must-read if you have young children who like to forge their own path. It teaches kids about choices and how at times it is perfectly okay to just be yourself. Winning a competition has its own charm, but being a champ takes a lot more. Following what suits you best in a given situation is what gives you the most joy. It only takes a short and sweet, wonderful story to explain this to your child effortlessly.