Speedy Phoebe by Ryanne Siddiq tells the story of Phoebe, a carlette who is excited for the field day at Carson Elementary School. She prepares herself in every possible way, determined to ace the races. However, when she overhears her fellow carlettes bragging about their abilities shortly before the race, her enthusiasm and confidence start to fade. Phoebe's anxiety gets the better of her, adversely affecting her performance. Before the final race, she remembers her father's advice about doing her best and having fun, which renews her confidence and encourages her to try again. Can Phoebe reach her goal this time?

Ryanne Siddiq's Speedy Phoebe is a beautiful picture book with valuable lessons for young readers. Phoebe's thoughts and emotions concerning the field day make her a believable and relatable character. Through her, Ryanne shows how fear and a lack of confidence can hold us back from doing our best. I also appreciate his emphasis on the fact that we do not necessarily have to finish first all the time; there are far greater things in life for us to value, like the people we meet and the experiences we gather. One of the best sides of the story is Phoebe's unconditional sympathy toward her fellow carlettes. Although they are initially mean toward her, Phoebe does not think twice before getting help for them. She is rewarded for her kindness, and the story ends on a high note. I would recommend the book for children aged four to six.

[Originally reviewed for Readers' Favorite]