How to Be Best in Class

Written & Illustrated by Lorena Proia

I received a digital copy of this book to share my opinion.

GIVEAWAY

Back this book on Kickstarter to help reach its funding goal AND enter our giveaway for the chance to win an extra-special bundle featuring a signed copy of the first book in this delightful series, How to Make a Sandwich, a matching set of Phebe-n-Me T-shirts (one child size and one adult size), and a gorgeous collection of 12 blank note cards with Phebe-n-Me designs.

Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/how-to-be-best-in-class-by-lorena-m-proia-awareness-tour/ 

ABOUT THE BOOK

How to Be Best in Class

Written and Illustrated by Lorena M. Proia

Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Self Published D.B.A. PnM Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9885730-1-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Obedience class is hard. Especially if you don’t do things like the other dogs do. Phebe’s flair for drama isn’t appreciated by her classmates, and when Rae says, “Come!” she stays. When she says “Stay!” she comes.

Seeing the world a little differently than everyone else makes it easy to be misunderstood. Rae wants Phebe to fall into line, but Phebe can’t help but be herself.

Will Phebe ever learn to be a perfect pup?

LINK

Join the Kickstarter Army: https://www.lorenaproiabooks.com/kickstarter

MY REVIEW

How to Be Best in Class is a tender story about accepting differences with love. Differences should not be an obstacle for learning, but considered as an opportunity to see things from a different perspective. Everyone learns at a different pace, moved by different interests and motivation and with varied strategies. The story of Phebe and Rae is a good example of the way learning takes place. Besides, it is also a story about tolerance, patience and above all, it is a story about the purest love between a pet and a child.

Having a pet can teach children many things: responsibility, love and care of a living creature. Children may discover what it means to teach a pet and how much patience is needed in the act of teaching.

Rae gets frustrated at a point but this is turned into a bond towards the end of the story.

The illustrations are just incredible! Warm, soft and gentle lines together with a pastel palette of colors convey a friendly, tender mood to the story. The expressions in the faces of the characters, especially Phebe and Rae, need no extra words at times. I love the innocent, careless look of Phebe, which reminds me of my dearest dog. The last spread is simply the most emotional for a perfect ending.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorena M. Proia is the author and illustrator of the award-winning How to Make a Sandwich. She splits her time between being a city mouse just outside of Boston and a country mouse in the Berkshire Mountains. When she’s not drawing or designing, she’s hiking or playing Dog Agility with her two Australian Shepherds.

You can find out more about her, Phebe, and her books at www.lorenaproiabooks.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 29, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Friday, January 30, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Monday, February 2, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Bored Military Wife Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Thursday, February 5, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on How to Be Best in Class
Friday, February 6, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Monday, February 9, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Lorena M. Proia
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 @avainbookland Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Book Zone Reviews Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Thursday, February 12, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Friday, February 13, 2026 Froggy Read Teach Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Monday, February 16, 2026 @tinks_books_and_fosters Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Mrs. Makes Reading Fun Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Thursday, February 19, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Friday, February 20, 2026 Delicously Savvy Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Saturday, February 21, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Sunday, February 22, 2026 Me Two Books Author Interview with Lorena M. Proia