As a parent, there’s nothing quite like the joy of reading a book with your child(ren) that captivates their imagination, makes them giggle, and teaches a valuable lesson all at once. That’s exactly what we experienced when we read Grace Retraces Her Day by Cheryl Lock. My boys were immediately drawn in by Grace’s adventure, and by the time we reached the last page, they were reflecting on how they might retrace their own steps next time a lovey goes missing!
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This charming 32-page picture book follows young Grace as she embarks on a mission to find her lost toy caterpillar. With gentle guidance from her mom, Grace retraces her steps through a day filled with fun, family, and small, everyday moments that feel so relatable. As a mom of two young boys, I found myself smiling and relating to the search for Grace’s caterpillar. From compromising over breakfast to playing outside and even helping with chores, her journey is a delightful reminder of the little things that make up a child’s world.
The illustrations are absolutely adorable, bringing Grace’s world to life in a way that kept my kids engaged on every page. The pictures of sun, sand, and water play left them longing for warm summer days. My oldest (5) loved pointing out different details and making his own guesses about where Grace’s toy might be hiding. The rhyming text made it an enjoyable read-aloud, and before we knew it, we were reading it again—this time retracing our own day’s activities just like Grace did! My little one (3) was eager to use Grace’s lessons to retrace his own steps to find his ‘lil panda’ before bedtime.
What makes this book even more special is that Cheryl Lock, the author, is a local writer from right here in Arvada. She wrote Grace Retraces Her Day for her middle daughter, and the illustrations are inspired by their actual home and family. That personal touch shines through, making it feel all the more heartfelt and authentic.
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If you’d like to experience the magic of Grace Retraces Her Day for yourself, you can find it online or at local spots like the Boulder Bookstore on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder and and Edgewater Books in Edgewater. She’ll also be hosting storytime at the Arvada My Gym on Thursday, March 27th at noon, and will have a booth at Olde Town’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Saturday, March 16th from 12p-6p —fantastic opportunities to meet her in person and celebrate this wonderful book! On May 7th at 4pm, Cheryl will be signing books at the Boulder Bookstore! Be sure to check out the Macaroni KID Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden calendar so you don’t miss any of these opportunities to meet Cheryl and get your hands on Grace Retraces Her Day. She's also joining forces with a Denver-based Mobile Arts & Crafts truck to start a "Books & Crafts" option for little partiers. Cheryl will read and provide a signed book to the kids who attend, and then Kiki does a caterpillar craft with them! If you're interested in hosting a "Books & Crafts"you can reach out to her via her website!
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With its warm storytelling, delightful illustrations, and meaningful life lessons, Grace Retraces Her Day is a must-have for any child’s bookshelf. Whether your little one has ever lost a favorite toy or just enjoys a fun and engaging story, this book is sure to become a bedtime favorite in your home—just like it has in ours!
