Children’s Book Review | Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day (+ Author Interview!)

Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day Review

Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day, written by Diana L. Darby, tells the story of Ellie Brooks' first day of kindergarten. Before she even walks in the front door of the school, Ellie stops to notice and gently tap a rolly polly on the sidewalk, giving readers a hint of the day to come.

She quickly puts her powers of observation to work in her new classroom, noticing and appreciating blocks, paint, books, and even a guinea pig!

Ellie experiences a fulfilling first day as she colors, sings, listens to stories, eats a snack, and shares her favorite crayon. Recess offers another exciting setting as she discovers swings, beetles, rocks, and running with new friends.

As her mom walks her home, Ellie shares all about her day and anticipates all the exciting things she'll discover tomorrow.

What stood out to me most about this story was the way it offered warm encouragement to notice and appreciate the small things in life. Ellie stops to inspect bugs, sticks, rocks, and more...things children used to notice years ago, but can sometimes overlook today.

The author doesn't just demonstrate this mindfulness through Ellie, but also invites readers to make their own observations at the end of the book, asking, "What did you notice today? What made you curious? What made you laugh or smile?"

I also really enjoyed the unplugged, nostalgic tone of the book. Although kindergarteners today obviously encounter phones, tablets, and televisions throughout the day, this story returns to the basics.

Ellie plays outside with sticks and bugs, colors with crayons, and sings along with a teacher's guitar. This kind of grounded storytelling feels like a warm hug, and an invitation to simpler living.

And finally, this story offers an exciting peek into a child's first day of school. It positions kindergarten as a fun place, with lots of different activities and new friends. There are loads of small details in the illustrations for toddlers to explore, ask questions, and prepare for their own first day of school.

Overall, this is a sweet picture book that small children are sure to enjoy. You can find Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day on Amazon.

Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day Author Interview

Want to learn more about author Diana L. Darby? I did too! She was gracious enough to field a few questions and share what’s next for her!

Deb: Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day offers such a fun and sweet introduction to kindergarten. What inspired you to write it?

Diana: About six months ago, I started writing short stories about my life, almost like a memoir. Before I knew it, I had written 48 stories, totaling about 35,000 words. Looking back, I realized some of them could become children's books.

Ellie Brooks was inspired by my childhood. In kindergarten and first grade, I attended school on an Air Force base in California. We had an open classroom with no traditional walls, so I was surrounded by constant activity and curious about it all.

I remember being fascinated by little things, sometimes more than whatever I was supposed to be doing. Those memories have stayed with me ever since.

After years of teaching, I began thinking about how fun it would be to revisit those experiences through a child's eyes. That's how Ellie came to life.

I wanted her to be happy, curious, imaginative, and sometimes a little distracted. I didn't want her to be perfect. I wanted her to be a real child who notices interesting things, makes discoveries, and enjoys the world around her.

Deb: This book is actually the first in a series! What's next for Ellie?

Diana: The second book is called Ellie's Choices, and I'm preparing it for illustration.

In this story, Ellie discovers that kindergarten involves many choices. From deciding what to wear to choosing activities, sharing supplies, and trying new foods, Ellie finds some decisions easy and others overwhelming.

Fortunately, Mom, Dad, her classmates, and sometimes Sparky, her dog, help her along the way.

One thing I love about Ellie is that she doesn't always make a decision and stick with it. Sometimes she changes her mind, gets distracted, or discovers something wonderful by trying something different.

I hope children recognize themselves in Ellie and realize that making choices is something we all keep learning.

Deb: Do you have any tips for parents or grandparents reading this book to help prepare and excite children who are about to enter kindergarten?

Diana: My biggest suggestion is to help children look forward to kindergarten rather than worry about getting it right.

Read the book together, but don't rush. Stop and look at the pictures. Ask questions. Let children tell you what they notice.

You might ask, "What do you think Ellie will discover next?" or "What would you like to do in Ellie's classroom?"

I also think it's important to remind children that everyone experiences school differently. Some children are excited, others are nervous, and some are both, which is perfectly normal.

As a teacher, I've learned that children don't have to know everything before school. They need opportunities to explore, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover what interests them.

And if your child notices something in the illustrations that you missed, celebrate it! Sometimes children see the most interesting things.

Deb: I really appreciated that this story took place without any sign of phones, televisions, or other noisy technology. As a teacher yourself, what do you think is the best way to strike a healthy balance between utilizing helpful new technologies in the classroom while still staying grounded in the basics?

Diana: I think technology can be a wonderful educational tool, but it shouldn't replace the experiences that help children develop curiosity, imagination, and relationships with others.

I've been teaching for 25 years, and I've seen how technology can open doors for students. It can provide access to information, support different learning needs, and create opportunities that weren't available when I was growing up.

But children also need time to build things, explore outside, read physical books, talk with one another, and wonder about the world.

I teach sixth-grade Earth Science, and some of the most meaningful learning moments happen when students observe something, ask questions, or make connections for themselves.

For me, the balance comes down to purpose. If technology helps students learn more effectively, then it has a place. But if students can learn just as much—or more—by investigating, creating, discussing, or experiencing something firsthand, those opportunities are equally important.

Ellie's world reflects that belief. Her discoveries don't require a screen. Sometimes all she needs is a classroom, a few friends, and a rolly-polly crawling across the playground.

Deb: Your author bio at the back of the book mentions that you are a "lifelong noticer of the little things." What are some of your favorite little things?

Diana: Oh, there are so many!

I've always been fascinated by things other people might walk right past. Interesting rocks, unusual plants, bugs, and small discoveries in nature always catch my attention.

I love the way sunlight changes something ordinary, the sound of rain, and those moments when something small makes you stop and smile.

I also notice people. The little things they say, their expressions, and the ways they respond to situations can be fascinating.

As a teacher, I especially enjoy moments when a student suddenly understands something or notices a detail nobody else has mentioned.

I think noticing little things is part of what makes life interesting. It's also a big part of who Ellie is.

Deb: What's your vision for the future? Do you have more books in the works? Or any upcoming projects you're excited about?

Diana: I would love to see Ellie Brooks grow into a series that children and families return to.

My goal isn't to create a character who always makes the right decisions or has all the answers. I want Ellie to experience childhood with curiosity, humor, imagination, and the little challenges that come with growing up.

I'm currently developing Ellie's Choices, and I have ideas for more stories as Ellie continues her adventures.

I'm also exploring another children's character, Benny Jett, who may eventually have his own adventures.

Beyond writing, I'm continuing my work as an educator and developing Chopper's Haven, a nonprofit organization that supports family caregivers of loved ones experiencing mental health challenges.

I enjoy creating things that might make someone's day better, whether through a story, a classroom experience, or an opportunity to feel supported.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Diana!

You can pick up your own copy of Ellie Brooks' Amazing First Day on Amazon.