Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four: A picture book story about blending children from two families to one

by Maria Ashworth, Andreea Chele (Illustrator)

A young girl’s world is turned upside-down when her mother decides to remarry. Along with the ring comes a few more, Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four. The girl will do whatever it takes to keep step siblings out of her life. She eventually realizes there are some benefits to having a blended family.This lighthearted story will reassure children that in spite of change, the outcome is worth the transition. It delights in the possibilities with having a blended family. Nominated in 2012 as a finalist in National Association of Elementary School Principals contest. Children, ages 4 to 8, will love its suessical flair of bold illustrations and lyrical text.

31 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2016

About the author

I am an award-winning author who has published eight picture books and a Middle Grade novel. A few of my adult short stories have published in literary contests and a woman’s anthology.

I've been featured in an article December 2017 in Story Monsters Ink. By promoting myself, I landed on Fox News in Houston, Houston Chronicle newspaper, and NPR with my first book, on blended families.

I lead a weekly critique group that I started in 2009. I continue to perfect my craft by being a long-standing member with SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The young girl was told by her mother she is going to remarry Larry.
She showed her the engagement ring.
The next day the daughter met her 4 stepbrothers Tom, Bob, Rob, & Kevin.

Do you think the stepdaughter will like/love her new family?

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) classic tale storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s educational presentation (self-acceptance, diversity), movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author(s); Big Belly Book Co.; 1st edition; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Aviva Gittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

#6 on The Gittle List 2017: Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four, written by Maria Ashworth and illustrated by Andreea Chele is about a little girl whose mom is going to marry a man who has four boys. I love that the story is told from the girl’s perspective. Interestingly, the girl and the mom are never named. This allows any little girl to picture themselves in this situation. It deals with the serious issue of how to blend families while helping the children deal with sometimes sensitive feelings about the change to come. Ms. Ashworth does so in a light and fun way, that allows adults to talk to their child about their concerns. The illustrations are bold and bright with a Dr. Seuss quality to them.

[Christine Laforet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s bad enough that the young narrator must share her mom when she remarries, but new step-dad, Larry, has four boys! The girl wants them gone…until they save her from a bully. She decides step-siblings aren’t so bad after all. This is a cute story everyone will enjoy, especially those kids worried about blending families together. The verse-like text and Dr. Seuss-style pictures add to the book’s charm

[Tony Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic kids book. The illustrations are great and I really enjoyed the easy flowing rhyming which made it very easy to read aloud to little ones.
A level of humor throughout the book does a great job of making what could be a very heavy subject for kids enjoyable and fun.
I would recommend this book for any children who are facing a similar situation and combining families!

[K Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to help kids adjust to step families. Love it! Great illustrations too!

[Tonya Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable rhyming picture book! Great for kids learning to deal with new stepfamilies. Wonderful illustrations.

[Sian Mole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about the difficulties of gaining a new and ready made family but ultimately how rewarding it can be. Recommended for any child living with step brothers and sisters.

[Dee Leone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for families with stepchildren as well as kids in general. It will get readers thinking about how first impressions aren't always accurate. This is a cute story in rhyme which includes humor and delves into feelings. It's great for discussion and could help children adjust to changes in family situations.

[Maggie Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for classrooms, therapists, parents, really anyone! It is about blended families and the first experience with meeting step siblings. It combines humor with heartfelt feelings that brought back memories from my own childhood that had me laughing. This is a great reminder that your step siblings really are cool.

[Kate Puleo Unger · Rating 3 out of 5]

ages 4-8

I enjoyed the sentiment of this book - a story about merging families and changing from an only child to the only girl with 4 stepbrothers, but I didn't love the negative tone at the beginning and the overly simplistic rhyming stanzas.

http://www.momsradius.com/2016/12/cyb...

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart-warming book with adorable illustrations is a must read for blended families and for anyone who wants a feel-good story!

[Shelley Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustration style and chosen colors of this book. This is such a fun story about blended families. Recommend for sure!