It’s a sweet, short story with charming illustrations that will make for an ideal nighttime story. The message is cute and I can really see this being the start of a wonderful series.

Make way for Ella May because she wants to do things her own way!

Quirky, lovable and refreshingly single-minded, Mick Jackson couldn't have introduced us to the unforgettable Ella May at a better time, and I already can't wait to read more! Because who wouldn't love a fabulously fun picture book about one little girl going against the norm to try something new?!

Girls and boys alike will no doubt laugh out loud at Ella May's backwards walking and might even be encouraged to try something new from themselves..

Beautifully illustrated with a charming underlining message of trying new things and being yourself.

Cute. Story about a child who likes to try new things. Great story to incorporate into the classroom to discuss being afraid of new things / benefits of being open to new experiences. Illustrations are colorful, unique and engaging enough for the story.

What a wonderful character Mick Jackson has produced in Ella May.
My kind of clever, logical and single-minded girl.
At the time of this first installment of a new series - I want more!, Ella's mum just about has the upperhand, but me thinks this will not last too long.
In this first book mum introduces Elly to new food tastes and famously suggests it is good to try new things and experiences. This sends Elly on her own distinct path. Elly being a resourceful girl she is full of bright and inventive ways of mastering her new choices and phases in her growing up.
The book is cleverly illustrated with more pictures than words. Together they bring out this witty and inspiring story. Much to chat about with your own children and lots of aspects to return to subsequently as this is a book you will want to read again.
With so many excellent books out there, it is good when one comes to your attention that brilliant and has a little bit of attitude. Not anarchy (yet), but that independent spirit we wish all our kids develop.

Ella May is such a sweet and bright kid, Her mom suggests to try new things when she prepares her daughter food she never had before. From then on, Ella starts doing everything backwards. Which was fun until the whole town followed her new way of walking. Ella stops then and starts doing something new again. I'm all for trying new things to explore all the endless opportunities but I don't know how to feel about the kid doing something new just because someone else copied her since she seemed to have lots of fun doing things backwards for quite a while. The color palette is nice, a lovely change in kids book since they are usually a lot more brighter in colors. The diversity of characters is a big plus as well!

Contrary Mary for a new generation!

This is a fantastic book, with a fun-loving, spunky, headstrong female main character who, as the title implies, wants to do things her own way. This ends up causing quite a stir when she commits to walking everywhere backwards.

Great illustrations and wonderfully diverse in a very natural way without diversity being made into an "issue".

I'd highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ella May is a quirky and lovable character who likes to do things her way. She sets about doing things backwards after her mum encourages her to try new things. Soon, the whole town is following her footsteps and walking backwards. At this point, Ella May decides it might be time to try something new.

Lovely illustrations and clear text makes this an engaging read for younger readers. I like that way this book reinforces that it's good to try new things while also showing a girl who isn't interested in things that are often shown in stereotypical portrayals of young girls.

A very pleasant look at the benefits of non-conformism. Ella May is encouraged to try something new at the dining table when her mother cooks it, so grows into wanting to experience everything else in a novel way, especially backwards – walking backwards, sleeping with her feet on the pillow, climbing down trees head first. But what would happen if other people took it upon themselves to join in? Hopefully this is successful in the social media age of stopping some readers from feeling the urge to join in with the sheeple, and to do things their way. Before that success can be quantified, you have a perfectly serviceable book, with nice design and great readability. I won't be backward in giving this a strong four stars.

This is a very sweet book about being different and standing out. Ella May enjoys doing things differently. She likes to walk backwards, tries to read backwards. It’s good book to teach about being yourself.

‘Try Something New’!

A lovely book for the little ones.

The illustrations are bright and beautiful and the idea behind the story is to try doing something different and new.

Ella May is a little kid and one day she decides to experiment and she starts walking backwards. Suddenly everyone is following her!

I particularly appreciated the fact that the characters represent diversity and inclusion in their appearance (both in the colour of their skin and their hair).

A great idea for a gift to enjoy with the children.

Fun illustrations with diverse characters.

The ending was somewhat abrupt but happily there are more adventures to look forward with this imaginative little girl.

An engaging story for young readers to explore how to be open to new perspectives, bond with a community while preserving their individuality

I thought this was a fairly interesting book, but didn't completely agree with some of the author's writing about Ella May. I liked that she was a bit different from other girls, but then she *needs* to be unique and different at any cost. I am not sure that is the greatest message; being different is great, but you want to make sure you aren't doing that on purpose.

The illustrations were cute and the colors were fun. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Ella May is interested in trying new things and exploring life. She decides to walk backward just to be unique. Soon everyone else tries it too and she decides to move on to something different.
Jackson has created a joy filled story of a daring young girl who isn't afraid to be herself. The illustrations are done in subdued tones with pops of color to bring out the people and actions.
Terrific class read to discuss experimenting and figuring out what they like and dislike.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Quarto Publishing.

A book with a simple, positive message - find your own way and be open to trying new things. In this case, the theme isn't laid on in a heavy handed way. While some version of this story might show Ella have her unique ways of going a bout her business put into the context of her peers, who may judge her, here Ella thrives on her own and sets an example to others to follow suit. She defines her own identity and willingness to be open to the world, even if that means walking backwards into a trash can.

I personally enjoyed the artwork, which works in unison with the text design. There was thought put into the layout of the pages here and it all flows easily, which I find particularly important for children's stories. This is definitely a suggested book from me, especially for parents with kids who are in the early processes of figuring out who they are, what they like or dislike. The classic "try your broccoli, you might like it!" could have a (slightly) higher change of working after reading this book.

This young children's picture book was just wacky enough to appeal to my sense of the strangely amusing. Like me, she finds herself wondering from time to time why things happen in a certain way or why things are done this way instead of that way, and one day she decides to change it up by doing things backwards or opposite. It's not just a case of Ella May, but Ella does!

This comes to a head when she begins walking everywhere backwards, and her mother decides to join her, and soon the whole town is doing it. But does Ella May stop there? Nope! A well-written, colorful, and very entertaining exploration of one child's take on life. If your child is in a reading rut, this will get them out of it!

Ah, Ella May sure does do things her way—and I sure do relate! As someone who insisted on writing backwards until 3rd grade I feel like we would really get along...

I actually laughed out loud at one part in this book (the contraption she creates).

Ella May’s mom is a realistic and sweet momma figure and I love that the story is really just the two of them. The art is gorgeous, quirky, and expressive. I thought it matched the story itself perfectly and the combo (and representation) is what ultimately had me sold on an otherwise pretty simple story.

The message actually ends up being a bit gentle towards the end but I found I liked it that way. I also need to chat with Ella May about how even though I’ve been mismatching my stuff for decades suddenly it’s cool now...?! What should I do about that, Ella May?

Anyways, I definitely want this book and I can see it being a fun one to read with kids. Easy options for conversation starters, social emotional lessons, beginning of the year how are we different type convos etc.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 for me.

Ella May is a spunky little girl who is strong willed and determined. She finds she likes to try new things and be herself. I thought it was great how she stood out from the crowd by being herself and decided to try something new when people started walking backwards like her.

Her mother is very loving and supportive of Ella May and it is fantastic.

The illustrations were colourful and fun. It was great to see so many different people depicted throughout the city.

Ella May was/still is me! 😂

Growing up left-handed, I've always done things backwards or differently. I still do. Us lefties have to learn early how to think outside the box. But Ella May isn't left-handed (at least it's not said). She's just a child full of wonder. Questioning life and the way things are done should be encouraged and I'm happy Ella May does and that she has a community who supports her! 💕

My only real critique is that this is a Children's book aimed at children who will read it. As adults we may think to ourselves how we wish a child would stop doing something but if it's not harming the child or anyone/anything else then we shouldn't tell them to stop exploring their ideas. Yes, Ella May's mother doesn't tell her to stop out loud but the children reading the actual book will see/hear her thinking it and in my opinion, that's not really cool. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

My final conclusion is that Ella May Does it Her Way is a fun book that will remind children to think outside the box; a great storytime read! 📚 

***Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group (words & pictures) for providing me with a review copy.***

***Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

Ella May is not afraid to be different! This is a fantastic story about trying new things and not conforming.

A celebration of individuality and creativity! The text is accompanied by colorful and vibrant illustrations, depicting a diverse community. I can't wait to share this with my students, knowing that they will get a kick out of meeting Ella May.

A good strong story about thinking outside the box and being willing to take risks. This one would be a great tool to teach little ones to embrace happiness their way. Fantastic and unorthodox illustrations did a great job supporting the story.

All parents will relate to this! Because if your child has never decided to do things her or his own way, you probably have a mythical child that everyone would like to have!
This is a book that will help you speak to your child(ren)/students about the importance of being yourself - a difficult concept for most humans, young, old and in between.

In this subtly amusing story, Ella Mae’s mother suggests to her that it is good to try new things. Ella decides to take this advice in ways that can only surprise her mother. She decides to walk backwards. But when when walking backwards catches on in the neighborhood, Ella May decides to do cartwheels instead. Attractive, colorful illustrations add to the fun. Ella May is thinking and experimenting all the time, and Mom seems just fine with that.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

We loved this book! Ella May is a headstrong little girl, and we loved that about her!

'Ella May Does It Her Way' with words and pictures by Mick Jackson is about a little girl determined to do things her way in a world that would tell her otherwise.

Ella May is particular about what she likes (insects, but not beetles). One night, her mother tries to get her to eat something different and Ella May balks at the idea, until her mother tells her it's good to try new things. Inspired by this thought, Ella May starts doing things very differently. Will her mother be able to get her to stop Ella May and her ways?

I really liked this story and the pictures. Ella May's cone shaped hair fits her precocious nature. The moral of the story is pretty clear. I wonder if young readers will try to do things Ella May's way though. It's a fun read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words and pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Ella May isn't just a cute girl. She is also very independent, tenacious, original and imaginative, someone who likes to discover things by doing them. One day her mum says that it is good to try new things and that's what Ella May does. She starts walking backwards just to see how difficult it would be and what it would feel like. She continues doing this in various contexts until she starts a new craze. By this time, walking backwards doesn't feel like something new and exciting, so Ella May is off to something new. Cartwheels? Anyone?

I absolutely adored the artwork. It is cute, colourful and quirky- my favourite style.
Ella May is obviously a curious and imaginative child, perhaps not the easiest to parent, but you can bet she brings a lot of joy into the lives of her loved ones. You can always bet she'll find something unusual and worth exploring in the most mundane objects and activities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Ella May is an independent thinker and she knows what she likes.

"Say hello to Ella May
A girl who does things her own way...

Likes dinosaurs.
Likes insects (but not beetles)
Likes stripes ( and apples )."

Thus begins the tale of a wee non-conformist.

One day her mum gives her something different to eat. Ella May is a little apprehensive to try it but mom encourages her and tells her, "It's good to try new things." Mmmmmm.... Ella quite likes that idea.

Later in the park she decides to try something new. She chooses to walk backwards throughout her day. That will be fun to try she thinks. Applying her rule to reading a book, going backwards upstairs to the bathroom and getting into bed backwards she discovers it's not as easy as she thought it would be. But Ella May is determined to keep on with her backward adventure. She continues her novel idea all through the next day at the playground which causes quite a stir with the other kids. A few days later while out on a shopping trip her mum decides to join her and see how it feels to move in backward mode.

The observant townsfolk see what the two are up to and decide to give it a try too. A huge parade of backward moving people ensue and as Ella May steps back and observes their antics she decides that she is ready to try something different... something brand new! Oh my! What could she possibly want to do next that is creative and untraditional? You will have to get the book and find out.

This is book number one of a brand new series. It will inspire kids to try out new things, think out-of-the-box and be an original. The artwork adds enrichment to the text and is very kid-friendly. I recommend the book and I back it for sure.

Ella May Does It Her Way is a picturebook written by Mick Jackson and illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier. Meet Ella May, the girl who likes to do things her way. In the first of this brilliant new series all about an imaginative, strong-willed girl character with her own ideas, Ella May tries walking backward, just to see how it feels. In her bedroom she tries reading her books backward, and after dinner she goes backward up to the bathroom and climbs backward into bed. When Ella goes backward up the slide and backward over the castle, Ella’s mum decides to turn around and walk backward next to Ella, to make it easier for them to talk. Pretty soon, half the town is walking backward in a giant, backward-walking procession. Where will it end?

Ella May Does It Her Way is a fun story about a smart young lady told that it is good to try new things, but then takes it up a notch. I like that it all starts will Ella May trying a new food, that she rather likes, so starts trying walking backwards to see if she likes that as well. I like that Ella May works out ways to try her new way of walking safely, her creativity and inventiveness made me smile. I have to admit that as soon as everyone else started walking backwards too I new it was going to stop- because I have a spunky daughter of my own that would stop something at the same point as Ella May. I really enjoy that she continues to try new things, and encourages her mother (and everyone else) to keep trying new things too. I thought the art work was very well done, and added a great deal to the story. THe little details and colors kept the eyes moving and the interest high throughout the read.

Ella May Does It Her Way is a great read for storytimes, sharing one on one, and emerging readers to read on their own. The story is fun and relatable- and offers the encouragement to all readers to keep trying new things.

This is a very cute book about a little girl who likes doing things as she pleases, including finding creative solutions in order to do so. It starts with her mum encouraging her to try a new food and ends with the whole town walking backwards. I enjoyed the cute message and the asides from Ella May's mum's perspective. I very much enjoyed the artwork.

There are so many things to love about this book. The illustrations are lovely and the story is a great read. Trying new things and doing things in new and creative ways are encouraged in this text and finally a book that shows a girl/family of Color that shows their "everydayness" rather than trying to exploit trauma. Bravo! I know I will put this book on my shelf.

This book has a perfect message for kids and adults alike: never be afraid to try something new.

Ella May likes to do things her own way (she likes dinosaurs and bugs, for example) and wants to try new things. What's a gal to do? She walks backwards, of course! She tries everything backwards, but when the town starts to follow along, she's not sure she's unique enough anymore.

The illustrations are very cute and there's a great message here: be yourself and don't always follow the crowd. But after a while I just wished Ella would try something else other than doing things backwards. But perhaps that's the focus of this book and the series will show her trying other things. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to others.

Thank you for NetGalley for providing this copy for review.

I loved this book! What a lovely story, my 3 year old son loved it. He giggled and wanted to walk backwards too. We, like Ella's mum are always trying to encourage trying new things so this was a perfect book for us! Beautifully illustrated too.
I hope there is a series of these books so that we can purchase for my son!

I thought that this book was excellent and I loved reading it to my daughter, she is just like Ella May and loved to try things that are different and out of the norm and I will always encourage her to do so. The book had some lovely images and I thought it all had a lovely flow to it. It is 5 stars from us!

This is a sweet little book that has great illustrations throughout. A nice exploration of Ella May being who she wants to be!

Ella May is a young girl who likes things her way, she also enjoys being different. One day she decides that she wants to do things backward. It is not always easy (going up the stairs) and it changes things (reading a book backwards) but she keeps at it. When she is successful at doing several things backwards, her mother decides she will try it as well. As more people see them walking backwards, they join in. After awhile, Ella May decides it is time to try something new and different.

This is a cute book about trying new things, being different and original and using your imagination to have fun. Ella May is a very independent young lady who does not give up when she wants to try something new. The illustrations were cute, colourful and just a bit quirky. They fit well with the story. I like the message of trying new things and not giving up too easily if they are hard. Allowing others to join in and do the same things is all right, which is another good thing to learn. I read this to my grandchildren and besides the fact that they thought it was funny doing things backward, they really did not interact with this story at all. Perhaps it is geared to children a bit older, such as primary school children. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, idea and opinions shared are my own.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures and NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. This book is about Ella May doing things her way. One day her mother suggested to try new things. So, Ella May started walking backwards all the time much to mother’s dismay. I won’t ruin the end for you! I loved the story, illustrations, and graphics! I loved the book and will be giving out as gifts!

How often do parents say it to their kids: how do you know you don't like it unless you try it/ SO it just makes sense to ask what it would look like to extend that out to other experiences. How will Ella May know if she likes walking backwards unless she tries it. The reader learns the value of unique perspectives, not to simply dismiss a thing as 'weird". Cute.

Ella May Does It Her Way is a cute book about coming up with a new idea and committing to it... that is until an even newer idea comes along. Ella May decides to do everything backwards, but when the whole town joins in will Ella May continue? Read this precious book about a girl who dares to be different.

Ella May Does It Her Way is an adorable picture book about a young girl that isn't afraid to be 100% who she is.

You meet young Ella May as she is being told by her mother to give a new food a try. Ella May takes this message fully to heart and decides to try doing lots of things in a new..... backward... way.

At first, Ella May's backward adventure takes some serious getting used to. But eventually, Ella May makes some "Ella May" adjustments and finds that living life backward is nothing short of an extraordinary adventure.

Young readers will laugh along as the watch Ella May apply her backward approach to everything throughout the day. They will find her ideas silly and fun.

Parents will love how Ella May's passion to be herself reigns true throughout the entirety of this new picture book. Our children absolutely need to see fun stories about characters that excel at just being themselves, and Ella May is exactly that type of character.