‘How to Be Best in Class’ Book Review PLUS A Giveaway! #HowToBeBestInClass
This post is sponsored by Lorena M. Proia. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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
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.
MY REVIEW
I am absolutely thrilled to share my thoughts on How to Be Best in Class by Lorena M. Proia — a book that completely stole my heart.
If you’ve followed my reading journey for any length of time, you already know that I am a huge fan of Lorena’s award-winning book, How to Make a Sandwich. That story charmed me from the very first page with its warmth, heart, and beautifully expressive illustrations. So when I heard about her newest book, currently on Kickstarter, I knew I was going to love it.
And I was right.
How to Be Best in Class did not disappoint… not even a little. In fact, it may be my favorite yet.
From the moment I began reading, I was reminded why I adore Lorena’s books so very much. Her writing has this gentle, heartfelt quality that feels both comforting and meaningful. It never talks down to children, yet it carries powerful messages that resonate deeply with adults too. And the illustrations? Absolutely stunning. Each and every page feels like a masterpiece… soft, expressive, and filled with emotion. The art doesn’t just accompany the story; it brings it to life.
The storyline is beautifully crafted with a wonderful lesson woven seamlessly throughout. At its core, this is a story about belonging, individuality, and discovering what truly makes you special. I adore the message that being different is not a bad thing… rather, it is something beautiful. Our quirks, our uniqueness, our “not-like-everyone-else” qualities are exactly what make us shine. And what a powerful reminder that is for young readers (and honestly, for us grown-ups too).
I have to say, one of the reasons this story touched me so personally is because my rescue pooch reminds me so much of Rae’s dog, Phebe. There is something so precious and heartfelt about the way Phebe is portrayed… loyal, loving, easily distracted and well…. perfectly herself. I found myself smiling so many times because I could see my own sweet pup in those pages. That personal connection made this book even more meaningful for me.
What I love most about Lorena’s storytelling is that she wraps important life lessons inside warmth and charm. You don’t feel like you’re being taught… you simply feel the message unfolding naturally through the characters’ experiences. And by the end, your heart feels a little fuller. This book is a celebration of differences. It’s a gentle reminder that we don’t have to be the same to be wonderful. In fact, it’s our differences that make the classroom — and the world — brighter.
If you already loved How to Make a Sandwich, you are going to adore How to Be Best in Class. And if you’re new to Lorena M. Proia’s work, this is a beautiful place to start. Her books make the perfect addition to any child’s reading collection for sure and makes the perfect gift.
I wholeheartedly support this Kickstarter in which you can pre-order a copy of this book and I cannot wait to see this book in even more hands. It’s perfect for families, classrooms, libraries, dog lovers, and anyone who believes in raising kind, confident children who celebrate what makes them unique.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Friday, January 30, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Monday, February 2, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Book Spotlight on How to Be Best in Class
Friday, February 6, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Monday, February 9, 2026
Author Interview with Lorena M. Proia
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Friday, February 13, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Monday, February 16, 2026
Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Friday, February 20, 2026
Book Review of How to Be Best in Class
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Instagram Post about How to Be Best in Class
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Author Interview with Lorena M. Proia
NOW TO THE 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.
How to Be Best in Class: Book Giveaway
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