There is nothing like starting book two of a series and not realizing it! Which is what happened to me with Starla Jean Takes the Cake (volume two) by Elana K. Arnold. But the thing is, I did not realize that until after I finished and saw that the name had volume 2 on it. That shows, that while it probably would have been a good idea to read book one, it is not needed.
In book two, Starla Jean has a pet chicken named Opal Egg and a baby sister named Willa. Willa will be turning one soon, and Starla Jean wants to help her mom get ready for the party. And one thing is to bake a cake with one of Opal Egg’s eggs. Yet, there might be too much pressure, or she is not “feeling it” but Opal Egg cannot produce. Or at least, cannot produce an egg. She can produce one heck of a wonderful surprise that can be shared by all.
This early reader (first and second grades) is a fun book about faith in your friends, making new friends and family. It is a sweet story and has come fun images created by A. N. Kang. They are simple enough, but they are not simplistic. They are happy images and perfect for the reader aimed at. You could read to younger than that fist and second grade, but a read aloud to a larger group might be a bit harder to accomplish. Overall, Starla Jean is a realistic character. With classical tones, it also has modern flavors.