I have a 5 year old who really struggles socio-emotionally and am always looking for books to help him manage difficult situations with peers. I loved that this book read like fiction, with clear, likable, unique characters, put in relatable every day situations - a play date miscommunication, navigating new and old friendships and school partner assignments, keeping secrets, how to react to mistakes. Lily and Nico felt like real kids! I also really appreciated the nuance in the choose your own adventure component. There wasn't a black and white right and wrong approach, especially with the last story dealing with the jeering team members. Lastly, I appreciated there were discussion questions for each chapter. I would have liked however, that were discussion questions geared towards different age groups. The book says it's for ages 6-9, however these situations felt a little more like they were geared towards 8-10 year olds than the younger set.

This was such a wonderful book! As a mom with two kids on the autism spectrum I was so excited to dive into a book about social skills with them. The “you choose” option was amazing and gave us lots of talking points. It reminded me of the goosebumps series in a way.

The reason I knocked a star is because I do feel like it was a little too serious for younger kids.

This was an awesome chapter book! My 8 year old loved it. The questions at the end were great. Illustrations were cute and did not take away from the story!

This choose your own adventure aspect is such a fun and interactive way to get kids engaged. And also to read the book multiple times, which will help them with their comprehension skills so much too!

I never thought about picking a book up like this for my niece, but I honestly want to now. If she gets to be a part of where the story is going, and can go back and choose all over again like one of her video game apps, then that is such a smart way to get her engaged. I just love the idea!

But as for Lily and Nico's short stories, I found each one to have quite the emotional impact. It was great at showing the impact of your actions can have on other peoples emotional well being. For instance, when Lily went to the dentist and forgot to tell Nico all about it in the first story. You got to see how he reacted in three different timelines, but ultimately how if he didn't talk to Lily he was always going to be left frustrated. Their communication in all of these stories was the key to them working through their own complicated feelings and both ending up happy. They both continued to have to learn that their actions directly effect the other one's emotions. But also how one person's negative emotions, could effect someone else's positive emotions. The cause and effect of life kids, teach them how to handle these rollercoaster of emotions while their young!!

Also the little added illustrations of Nico and Lily on their adventures by Anuki López were so well done! I loved the art style, and the characters had so much personality!

I do have to say I don't know if the age group this is slated for between 6 and 9 seems right to me though. Maybe I am just basing it off of my niece who just turned 8, but I think she would struggle to read this in its entirety. The theme of the story itself was nice and she could use the lessons being taught in this for sure. I also could see her enjoying it if I read it to her or with her (which is still a great idea), however just her on her own would probably be at a later date once she works on her reading more. But that's just as a note to the publisher and whoever is marketing this, and less so to the author.

Thank you to Z Kids, and Net Galley for the ARC of this book ❤️

Thank you to Net Galley for this e- copy of Lily and Nico( Social Skills Stories) by Peyton Curley . I have worked in a preschool classroom for over 10 years and have seen the success first hand of Social Skills stories . The stories in this book are enjoyable to read and each story gives three possible outcomes to the problem presented that the children get to decide on . Each outcome is examined and the children can decide if this outcome is effective. I love these stories because the child first hand can see what solution is appropriate and can use these stories to seek solution to their own problems.

What this book really excels at is the "You Choose" interactive options, much like the Goosebumps books of my childhood, but without the nightmares and with all the social-emotional regulation. I think books like Lily and Nico are great tools and learning opportunities for families and classrooms to have on hand to help children work through their feelings in pretend situations that they relate to. What makes this particular book fantastic is the ability to revisit each situation and look at the other responses to see how the scenarios can change - this allows kiddos to see how the options they have lead to different outcomes, and if they take the time to reflect on their feelings, wants and needs, as well as those of the people around them, they can make the best decisions and face challenges with ease.

Thank you, Z Kids, for the ARC.

I like the illustrations. They are really cute!

What I love most about this book is how the author exactly describes what each child would go through with friendships.

These emotions are difficult to explain or describe to actually get an answer. The book deals with how the child can deal with them in different situations and I really feel it would be of much help to the one reading the book.

For the audience age group, the book may come off as rather too serious and uncomfortable for them to read about one negative emotion after another. I would suggest better reading engagement comes with alternating one positive happy scenario with a problem or issue they would most likely have to deal with.

Overall a good helpful read for young children.