Title: Priscida Finds Greatness in Herself and in Others
Author: Constance Mays
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-6641-9190-7
Pages: 42
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Beth Adams

Read Book Review

I am always impressed when an author, within the genre of illustrated children’s books, writes not only a story, but also applies one’s artistic talent to the drawings. This is what readers will see in Constance Mays’ Priscida Finds Greatness in Herself and in Others. It becomes more precisely tuned as a lesson to the readers, showing readers the wide breath of skillsets needed to publish a book such as this, and in a way implying it could be achievable for them, someday, to do their own book. Although many of the artistic elements show effort more than mastery, there is a portrait of Priscida on page 8 which Constance Mays nailed perfectly.

We are introduced to a tabby colored alley-cat, with green eyes and a smirk of her face as she rummages through the trash cans looking for a meal. Being caught in a net by the animal shelter, she then is put in her cat-jail, given food and water, as she awaits adoption. It is at that time she finds her forever home, and is given the name Priscida, which as she says, fits her personality.

Priscida does what all cats do – plays and eats – but she also does something quite peculiar – she learns how to read. Reading helps her identify certain food labels, and also teaches her about so many new things. Oddly she enjoys it when she is given a bath – as she calls it, “Spa Day.” She especially loves her Grannie, who makes her treats and takes her on a trip. Having moments of self-introspection, Priscida finds something lacking in her life and determines she need to achieve greatness. The best way to become great, she learns is to love. The more you love, the greater you become.

That is the take-away moral in this charming story; one which can be shown to many children in the single-digit-years to learn for themselves. Yes, loves begets greatness. Priscida Finds Greatness in Herself and in Others is just that book which will instill greatness in readers, and the more often they reach for the book, the more love they will gain. This is a must-read for all children and to cherish in their family library.