Great friendships can always be found around great treats! Imagine a world where the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, calling friends of all ages to gather around. Picture a picnic blanket spread on a sunny day, fruity popsicles melting a little too quickly in the warmth while laughter fills the space.

Each delicious bite becomes a memory, each treat a reason to smile. Perhaps it's an ice cream cone piled high with colorful sprinkles or a slice of birthday cake that feels like sharing a slice of joy. Whatever the treat, it has a magical way of connecting hearts, making friendships blossom like the sweetest flowers in a sunny garden.

So, let’s sprinkle kindness over our treats and serve a side of empathy. After all, when we share delicious moments, we create unforgettable friendships that stand the test of time!

Ice Cream Saturdays by Lia-Mae Kass is a charming children’s picture book that captures the joy of community and the simplicity of family routines. Told through the eager eyes of young Lisa, this book paints a heartwarming portrait of a Saturday spent wandering through a lively neighborhood, where every stop along the way is filled with friendly faces and small, memorable moments.

Lisa's family includes her parents and her brother Steven, and together they set out on their Saturday tradition, meeting friends, neighbors, and beloved locals in their town. One of the standout elements of this book is its enchanting illustrations. Every one of the 57 pages contains a beautiful, detailed illustration that brings Lisa’s neighborhood and the story to life. From the inviting library with Mrs. Murray, the beloved “celebrity librarian,” to the sweet finale at the ice cream parlor, each page is crafted with care, using colors and expressions that draw young readers into the story. The illustrations are full of small, thoughtful details that make each reread as enjoyable as the first.

The story’s simple prose and relatable characters make Ice Cream Saturdays accessible and enjoyable for young readers, while also touching on valuable lessons about friendship, community, and family bonds. As Lisa excitedly moves through her day, she learns about patience, kindness, and the joy of small moments—like wisely saving her post office sucker for after ice cream! This gentle narrative makes it a great read for families, offering parents and children alike an enjoyable, cozy reading experience.

Lia-Mae Kass has created a delightful tribute to the beauty of routine and community, perfect for young children who can relate to Lisa’s excitement for a day out in town. It’s a story about finding joy in the familiar and appreciating the people and places that make up our everyday lives. For families looking for a sweet, engaging read that celebrates simple pleasures, Ice Cream Saturdays is an ideal choice.- AMERICAN wRITING aWARD REVIEW.