PINKY & PLUM™ — PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS.
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PINKY & PLUM™ — PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS. *
WELCOME, COLLECTIVE READERS
You’ve scanned beyond the page. Discover what professional reviewers are saying about Pinky & Plum: Big Feelings, Little Bodies.
JENNIFER SENICK
Readers’ Favorite | 5-Star Review
What happens when a small problem leads to very big feelings? Pinky & Plum: Big Feelings, Little Bodies by Destiny Nakita Arnold follows twin sisters Pinky and Plum as they learn that difficult moments can become opportunities for kindness, empathy, and understanding. It opens as they wake up and spend time together. Then their friends DSean and Daijah come over to play. What starts as a fun day quickly changes when something happens to upset Pinky. As her feelings begin to overwhelm her, the other children try to figure out how to help. Will their kindness make a difference? There’s a lot to love about Pinky & Plum by Destiny Nakita Arnold. The problem was realistic, and the social-emotional lessons were nicely woven into it. This picture book makes an excellent read-aloud because it's written in a way young readers can easily understand. As a teacher, I would start conversations about being a good friend, disappointment, and how to respond to different situations after reading it. The section at the end of the book introducing each child was a nice touch. It allows the audience to relate to each character. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and add a lot of warmth to the pages. Anyone looking for books about friendship, thoughtfulness, and emotions should pick this one up. With such a positive message, this title belongs in homes, classrooms, and libraries everywhere. A quote from Fred Rogers kept coming to mind as I read this gentle tale: "Look for the helpers." And that’s the idea at the heart of this story, which reminds young readers that kindness can go a long way.
KIDS’ PICTURE BOOK REVIEW
Pinky & Plum: Big Feelings, Little Bodies
by Destiny Nakita Arnold
Pinky & Plum is a gentle and heartfelt picture book that helps young children understand emotions through everyday experiences they can easily relate to.
The story follows twin sisters Pinky and Plum as they go about a typical day filled with play, friendship, and learning. When Pinky's block tower is accidentally knocked down by a friend, she experiences disappointment and frustration. Later, Plum struggles with feeling left out when the other children are playing together. Through patience, kindness, and support from family and friends, both girls learn that big feelings are a normal part of growing up and that those feelings can be worked through in healthy ways.
What makes this book stand out is its simplicity. Arnold doesn't overcomplicate the lessons or force a message. Instead, she presents familiar childhood situations and allows the emotional learning to unfold naturally. The characters feel warm and approachable, and each child demonstrates a different aspect of emotional growth, from learning to forgive after an accident to recognizing when someone else needs encouragement and inclusion.
The addition of the character introductions and the section for parents and caregivers at the end of the book gives the book extra value. Discussion questions and practical tips help extend the lessons beyond the story, making it a useful tool for conversations about emotions, empathy, and self-regulation.
The writing is straightforward and age-appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, while the repetitive language and gentle pacing make it well-suited for read-aloud sessions. Parents, caregivers, and educators looking for books that support social-emotional learning will appreciate the book's positive approach and relatable examples.
Overall, Pinky & Plum is a sweet and thoughtful children's book that reminds young readers that all feelings are welcome, mistakes can be forgiven, and kindness can make difficult moments a little easier. It's a comforting read that encourages emotional awareness while celebrating friendship, family, and the special bond between siblings.