Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The Start of Something Lovely is a children’s picture book written by Jean Moore with illustrations by Katie Waugh. It follows the story of Rosy, a middle child who feels anxious about her first day of school. At home, Rosy has been taught the importance of sharing, being helpful, and demonstrating kindness to her siblings. When she arrives at school, she is welcomed by Miss Martha, a caring lady with a warm smile. As Rosy begins to learn and interact with her classmates, she notices something beautiful: the city’s flower gardener, Mr. White, brings a bouquet of colorful roses to Miss Martha. Rosy shares her love for roses with him, and during his next visit, he surprises her with a bouquet of her own. In an act of kindness, Rosy realizes that by sharing, she not only finds a friend in Mr. White but also forms connections with her classmates.

The Start of Something Lovely is the first installment in the Rosy's Garden Books series by Jean Moore. The story aims to teach children valuable lessons about sharing, kindness, hard work, and forming friendships. Rosy’s experiences are relatable as they highlight the common fears children face when dealing with changes, such as starting school for the first time. The story addresses the pressure to fit in and make new friends. I appreciate how the author showcases Rosy’s family background, emphasizing the importance of instilling values like kindness and sharing from an early age. The colorful illustrations perfectly complement the narrative. Small details, such as Rosy’s love for the color pink, educational content in the classroom, and the short inspiring messages in heart-shaped notes on each page, make it visually engaging and add educational elements to the story. Overall, The Start of Something Lovely is both entertaining and educational, teaching children about the significance of kindness, connection, and overcoming anxiety in new situations.