Me & Lavender

From Kirkus Reviews
A sweet tribute to youthful creativity.
A child and a toy elephant enjoy a blissful day, fueled by imagination.
A bouncy pachyderm leaps into curly-haired Ella’s bed one morning. Ella dubs the newcomer Lavender, and they proceed to eat pancakes, clean up, and set out for the day. Though they’re both eager to play, Ella laments, “I need to stay tidy, as clean as can be. Mommy is hosting an afternoon tea.” So Lavender proposes “a leisurely stroll.” Despite the best of intentions, they both end up playing hide-and-seek among the trees, having a garden hose water battle, and making mud pies—which leaves them both a soggy mess. Mommy ultimately spots and gently chides them. After baths for both (Lavender, back to his toy form, is placed in the washing machine), it’s time for tea and, eventually, bed. Relying predominantly on shades of pink and purple and depicting her characters with cherubic features, Farb effectively evokes an idyllic suburban setting, from the well-ordered garden to the prim and proper tea party. Lavender changes shape regularly, emphasizing the creative power of make-believe; readers who don’t pay close attention to the title page (which depicts the elephant as a toy sitting on Ella’s windowsill) may be briefly confused by his transformations. Treading familiar territory, Peugh makes use of upbeat rhyming text that pairs well with the artwork. Ella is tan-skinned and rosy-cheeked; Mommy is slightly lighter-skinned.

From Children’s Literature
Ella is a bouncy girl with an adventurous spirit that has no limits. Lavender, her tag-along, joins in Ella’s zeal for imagination and pretending. Ella heeds her mother’s warning to keep clean and proper for an afternoon tea, but only for a short time. Ella and Lavender cannot resist a play adventure with endless possibilities. Told in a child-like voice and using a sing-song rhyme, Ella engages young children in her happy day of play. Each page turn reveals a new and natural moment of Ella’s play world. She is innocent yet adventurous. She is happy and revels in the outdoors. Readers gain a true window into the young girl’s imagination, prompting them to view the world with fun and wonder. The portrayal of Lavender as life-like, silly, and happy shows readers how they might give life to their toy companion for an imaginative time of play. Ella portrays both the innocence of childhood and the longing to explore. Her mother’s guidance and patience enable Ella to learn many valuable life lessons. The illustrations provide color and inspiration which hold a child’s eyes throughout the rhyme. Parents and teachers of children aged three to five can use the adjectives for Lavender to help them grow into new vocabulary. Reading aloud this play adventure story is sure to prompt children to engage in one of life’s most important activities: play!

Christa McGrath, Editor, Edwards Book Club Reviews
A beautifully crafted children’s book about a little girl and her elephant enjoying an adventurous day together.
Ella is a bubbly and energetic little girl with a head full of wild curls and a big imagination to match. Lavender is her (toy) elephant who is not grey in color but lavender (of course!). Their adventure begins as soon as Ella opens her eyes in the morning. Lavender and Ella enjoy time together eating, skipping, and playing. Though Ella tries hard to keep clean throughout the day, she just can’t resist a fun-filled day spent with her lavender friend.
This is such a delightful story about playtime that proves there is (almost) nothing that a bit of warm water and soap can’t cure at the end of the day!
The words are like poetry in motion — they rhyme and flow from page to page, creating the perfect pace for storytelling. The illustrations, in all their pretty lavender hues, fill the book with so much beauty. This book is entertaining, playful, and imaginative. It shows the importance of innocent childhood adventures where kids can have so much fun just being outdoors, being active, and exploring all that nature has to offer.

From Children’s Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review
All the more impressive when considering that “Me & Lavender” is author/storyteller Melody Peugh’s first picture book, and that it is superbly visualized by artist/illustrator Eve Farb, this original, delightful, kid friendly, and fun from cover to cover picture book is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages 5-7. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of “Me & Lavender” from Flashlight Press is also readily available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

From Rosi Hollinbeck, San Francisco Book Review
Rated 5/5 stars
A little girl is waking up one morning when an elephant drops in to play. The elephant is named Lavender, and he is ready for adventure. They share a pancake breakfast and head out the door. But the little girl tells Lavender they have to be careful, because Mom needs the girl to stay clean and tidy for a party that afternoon. They start out talking about taking a quiet walk and following a column of ants. Then they play hide-and-go-seek, and then on to the swings. A tricycle ride comes next before they get out the garden hose. Soon they are soaked! And they had to make mud pies. Uh oh.
Melody C. Peugh has written a perfectly charming story that will encourage youngsters to let their imaginations run. The language is lyrical with lots of rhyme, the characters are strong, and the story is just plain fun. The illustrations by Eve Farb are spectacular. They are filled with delightful details and enchanting action. They are the perfect complement to Peugh’s sweet story. This book is sure to become a fast favorite with the little ones. Don’t miss it!

From Ted Olczak, President & Publisher of Printed Word Reviews / BookCAMP magazine
When a playful elephant named Lavender drops into Ella’s room, their fun quickly turns into a messy adventure that threatens to ruin Mommy’s afternoon tea party.
“Me & Lavender” is an enchanting children’s book that blends whimsy, imagination, and heartwarming lessons, making it an ideal read for young audiences aged 4-8. Written with a playful and imaginative flair, this delightful tale, set within the cozy confines of a young girl’s home and garden over a single eventful day, is sure to captivate with its charming narrative and vibrant illustrations.
At the heart of the story is Ella, a spirited young protagonist, and her unique companion, Lavender, a playful elephant whose hue is an intriguing blend of purple and gray. Their friendship forms the central pillar of this narrative, showcasing a bond that is both imaginative and deeply resonant.
The plot of “Me & Lavender” unfolds with a rhythm. Ella’s day takes an unexpected turn with Lavender’s arrival, leading them into a series of joyous escapades. The initial conflict arises from Ella’s mother’s impending afternoon tea party and Ella’s desire to remain tidy. However, Lavender’s infectious enthusiasm proves irresistible, drawing Ella into increasingly messy and exciting games, culminating in a wonderfully chaotic mud-pie creation. The tension between the desire for fun and the need for responsibility is beautifully explored as they race against time to clean up before the tea party.
The book escalates their antics with charming abandon. From pancake breakfasts to vacuuming adventures and hide-and-seek in the garden, Ella and Lavender’s day is packed with spirited activities. Swinging high, tricycle rides, and a playful water fight with the garden hose all highlight Lavender’s vivacious spirit and Ella’s growing embrace of his playful influence. This section skillfully builds suspense as their messiness reaches its peak, leaving readers eager to discover the outcome of the impending tea party.
The resolution is heartwarming. With the tea party looming, Ella and Lavender scramble to erase all traces of their muddy adventures. Their frantic efforts to bathe and tidy up, including Lavender’s comical use of the washing machine, are a testament to their teamwork. They succeed just in the nick of time, allowing the tea party to proceed smoothly, much to the delight of the charming guests who are captivated by Ella and Lavender. This climax underscores the book’s core theme: the possibility of balancing joyful, playful moments with essential responsibilities. The book concludes with a tender scene of Ella and Lavender in their pajamas, dreaming of future escapades, leaving readers with a profound sense of joy and anticipation for more whimsical adventures.
“Me & Lavender” explores several key themes. The bond of friendship between Ella and Lavender is central, celebrating companionship and acceptance. The book also revels in the pure joy of pretending, inviting young readers to embrace their own imaginative play. Most importantly, it subtly teaches the valuable lesson of balancing fun with responsibility, demonstrating that one doesn’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
Set entirely within a contemporary home and garden over the course of a single day, the familiar setting provides a comforting backdrop for the extraordinary adventures that unfold. This grounding in reality allows the imaginative elements to truly shine.
In conclusion, “Me & Lavender” is an imaginative children’s book. Its charming narrative, endearing characters, and valuable themes make it a must-read for young readers. It offers a heartwarming exploration of friendship and the joy of pretending, ensuring that children will be left with a sense of wonder, joy, and a keen anticipation for Ella and Lavender’s next whimsical escapade.

From Barbara Gruener, B.S., M.S., M.S., speaker, educator, author, coach
This intriguing newcomer has playtime and fun written all over it. From the moment that Ella awakens, I’m whisked away, back to the early 1990s, when my niece Danielle would host tea parties with her stuffed bears and talk with the imaginary deer that she saw outside. I wanted so badly to be able to see what she saw, to experience the joy that she felt as she pointed them out to me from her second-story window, so I’m right there with Ella, whose imagination brings her Lavender elephant to life in this delightful adventure. The striking illustrations pop off of the pages to make the words even more engaging and real. And my heartstrings felt a tug every time that Ella speaks so tenderly to her bestie, Lavender:
Silly Lavender. 
Beat you, Lavender. 
Watch out, Lavender.
Up here, Lavender.
Uh oh, Lavender.
You’ll need lots of time for this gorgeous read-aloud because there’s so much to look at; anticipate many questions, observations, connections to accompany this text, perfect as a favorite tuck-in treasure.
In school, try this as a follow-up writing or speaking prompt: What would it really be like to live with an elephant? Or any another animal, like Danielle’s deer.
Host a tea party; invent a new tea flavor and write a persuasive paragraph convincing your friends to try your new concoction with your cookies.

From Aruna Shekar, award-winning author and educator 
‘Me and Lavendar’ written by Melody Peugh and illustrated by Eve Farb, is a heartwarming children’s picture book published by Flashlight Press. A book that celebrates imagination and playfulness. The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story very well. Children can relate to the narrative and can enjoy the humour in it. The artwork is adorable with soft lavender hues and portrays the friendship of a little girl and her imaginary soft elephant.

From Paola Dell Acqua, Teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL)
This rhyming story is full of innocent child’s play. Children’s art of pretending and the power of imagination are what make the book entertaining from beginning to end! Even Mommy gets engaged and calls Ella: ‘you two’.
Page after page, the amazingly, colorful illustrations are an invitation to playtime and fun. The story highlights the importance of outdoor games and contact with nature – playing with mud and water, climbing trees or observing animals.
The name of the elephant not only denotes its color, but also lavender flowers.
The face expressions which denote complicity between them and the sweetness from Ella to her friend will touch children’s – and adults – hearts.

Crystal Cahill, elementary library teacher
What a delightful story!
We really enjoyed this sweet story about a little girl and her friend – an elephant named Lavender! Together they enjoy some fun adventures at home and in the backyard. In the end, we see that Lavender is her stuffed animal, and that her big imagination has taken them on some big adventures throughout the day.
A great way to talk about describing words and adjectives as they are used to describe Lavender: soggy, speedy, boring, splendid, and more!
Some great themes in here about imagination and friendship! We loved the rhyming style, which makes it perfect for a class read-aloud or a bedtime story.
The illustrations are a big standout, and very appealing to young readers.
We LOVED this one! Made for such a great read-aloud to our primary classes.

From Cindy Mitchell, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K – ADVISABLE
The little girl loves having adventures with her stuffie, Lavender, a lavender shaded elephant  Though the girl tries very hard to stay clean for her mother’s tea party, sometimes muddy just shouldn’t be avoided.
Reminiscent of Calvin’s adventures with Hobbes with lots of fun, imaginative play. I love that the mom is not angry when everyone gets dirty. Farb’s illustrations lean into the imaginative play, expressing joy and love.

Kathy Temean, Writing and Illustrating blog
This is such a sweet, endearing book. When Ella’s Lavender elephant stuffie grows in size and jumps on her bed to wake her up to play, Ella is all in, so they race outside. Then, Ella remembers Mom is having friends over for a tea party in the afternoon, and told her to stay clean and neat. Lavender pouts, and Ella starts to cry. Lavender says they’ll be careful, and they stroll down the garden path, which leads to playing hide and seek, swinging high on the garden swings, and then to other antics outside. This escalates to a water fight – Ella uses the garden hose, and Lavender uses his nose to spray back. By the time Mom comes outside, they are a muddy mess, and they both have to suds up – Ella in the bathtub and Lavender in the washing machine.
Melody did a fabulous job telling the story in rhyme. Kids love rhyme, and they will love that and the artwork that Eve created to bring the story to life. I love all of Eve’s illustrations. The color palette is rich with luscious hues and fun action on every page. Parents will be happy to read this book repeatedly, since there is so much beauty on each page that will keep them reading. I loved the illustration of Ella and Lavender all cleaned up, sitting at the table with Mom and her friends. The food and treats look yummy. Seeing Lavender cleaning up the crumbs on the table with her trunk was so cute. The picture at the end of the book with Mom rocking Ella and Lavender to sleep made me sigh. Readers will love feeling Mother’s love as it oozes off the page. And children will doze off for the night feeling that, too.

From Parnassus Books (independent bookstore), who selected Me & Lavender for their Staff’s Picks
Ella is supposed to stay clean for afternoon tea, but it is too hard, especially when an elephant shows up. The two have great adventures but clean up in time for tea. A happy reminder to use your imagination.

From ReadWithRev, Bookstagram Influencer
I loved it so much! Every page is full of surprises. There’s so much to talk about. The pages are soft to touch. It’s all in pretty lavender colours—and it even feels like lavender!
The story comes from the imagination of a little girl who goes on an adventure with her cuddly toy. It shows us how a child might see the world in their own special way.
It makes us think—when a child is playing with a toy, so much is going on in their little mind. They are happy, imagining, and living in their own world.
This book helps you see the baby inside you—and understand the baby with you a little more.
A must-have for every 2–5 year old’s bookshelf. It’s truly special.

From Ameliessa Richardson, children’s author & book-loving mom
Book Monster’s Pick of the Week
Hey there, story lovers and imaginary-friend experts!
It’s me — your book-chomping buddy — back with a tale that’s sticky, sweet, and slightly soggy (thanks, mud pies).
This week’s pick is all about tea parties, stuffed elephants, and the chaos that happens when you try to stay clean… but life has other plans.
What’s it about?
Lavender, a giant stuffed elephant, drops into Ella’s room just in time for fun.
Mom says “Stay tidy!”
Lavender hears “Let’s build a mud kingdom and swing from the curtains!”
Spoiler: It’s adorable mayhem, and somehow, there’s still tea at the end.
Why I love it:
• A story full of joy, mess, and imagination
• Feels like Winnie-the-Pooh met a bubble bath
• The artwork? Hug-it-with-your-eyes cute

From Terri Brown, The Strawberry Fountain blog
Last week we were sent a beautiful copy of Melody C. Peugh’s debut children’s book, Me & Lavender. It is a lovely hard back book with an intriguing illustration of an elephant and a little girl in a tutu on the front, something that immediately caught the curiosity of my 5 year old, Layla, who couldn’t wait to read it.
Me & Lavender tells the tale of Ella, a little girl, who is hosting afternoon tea with her mum later that day. Whilst she waits her teddy comes to life and together they head outside for some fun before Ella remembers she needs to stay clean! The story follows the pair through an array of fun (albeit messy) imaginative play before they finally get caught by mum just in time for afternoon tea.
Both Layla and I loved the story, especially the way it has been written with engaging rhymes that adds speed and excitement to the adventure.
Alongside the poetic story are gorgeous and somewhat hilarious illustrations by Eve Farb, who has captured the personality of both Ella and Lavender perfectly.
If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 7 who loves funny, fast paced stories then this is one for them.

From Marcia Strykowski, Writers’ Rumpus
This is such a cute book! The rhythmic text is catchy and fun to read aloud and the digital illustrations are big, bold, and brilliant. I’m sure many children will be able to relate to having adventures with a special stuffed pal. The twist in this is that Ella is supposed to keep tidy before Mommy’s friends arrive. Unfortunately, playing with Lavender is too much fun and things soon get out of hand. Will the two friends be able to clean up in time for Mommy’s tea party? An especially good choice for libraries hosting preschool story times!

From ReadingWithEmmett, mom and Bookstagram influencer
Me & Lavender is a cute children’s picture book about imagination and friendship. It’s about how kids have a stuffed animal who is their companion, one they take with them everywhere. This was such a cute book but was silly at the same time. Both Emmett and I loved how the character pretended that Lavender was larger and all the adventures they went on when they were supposed to stay clean and dry. This book is perfect for kids who have a favorite stuffed animal or toy of their own.

From Jennifer Wharton, Jean Little Library
Summary: A delightfully spunky little girl with pink skin and a crown of curls is joined by a cute purple elephant in her bed one morning. Ella and Lavender set out to play, but Ella needs to stay clean for Mommy’s tea party. Of course, one thing leads to another and soon the pair are a muddy mess, so they get popped into the bath (and washing machine – Lavender shrinking down to a toy) before joining in the grown-ups’ tea party.
Notes: This is a debut picture book for the author
Verdict: Lively rhymes and cute pictures present a cheerful depiction of an imaginative little girl and her best friend.
Recommendations: A fun storytime choice for toddlers and preschoolers.

From Nina Lewis, Grandma Ideas blog
What a splendid book! Yes, absolutely magnificent.
I think kids can identify with Ella — having to stay clean when they’d rather play. Having to sit and behave at a function they’d rather not attend — but being grateful when the best-ever cookies are served. Snuggling with Mom as she rocks you at bedtime.
I think kids will relish the pictures in this book. I know I did. Ella’s curly hair and wide eyes are adorable. The expressions on her face speak volumes about how she feels — sublime delight, glaring frustration, pure glee, guilty sorrow (for getting so dirty), timid shyness, and peaceful slumber.
Eve Farb is the amazing illustrator of this book. Kudos to her for her lovely illustrations. Additionally amazing is the fact that she is also a psychologist. An artistic psychologist — something that probably isn’t a common combination. But in her case, Farb has it nailed down perfectly.
And what about the author? Does she have a typical path to authorship? No siree, Bob! Is she a teacher? No. Does she have a college degree in English? No. Does she work in journalism? No. How about communication? No.
Melody Peugh is a retired civil servant. And a former army wife. It doesn’t matter that she lacks an English degree and isn’t a teacher, journalist, or communication specialist. That doesn’t matter one whit. She writes an outstanding picture book regardless of the path that she’s taken beforehand. (I do hope she writes many more!)
This picture book makes an excellent addition to your home library. Grandkids will love hearing you read it to them over and over. But, beware! They just might want to snuggle and nibble cookies while you do.

From Heather Macht, Seasons of KidLit blog
Me & Lavender is a charming debut picture book that captures the magic of imagination and the joyful chaos of play. Ella and her elephant friend Lavender tumble from quiet games into a hilarious mess, all while radiating warmth and affection. With its vibrant illustrations and classic feel, this story is perfect for inspiring little ones to dream up their own larger-than-life adventures. Me & Lavender is a wonderfully creative read for any season.

From Vanesa Josevski, children’s book author 
This story is a gentle reminder of the joy in messy moments and the wonder of pretend play. When Lavender the elephant tumbles into Ella’s day, it’s all fun and laughter, until their games turn into glorious chaos before afternoon tea!
Perfect for little dreamers who love stories about imagination, friendship, and the kind of fun that might just leave muddy footprints behind.

From KidLit Grove, curriculum designer and writer for children
What child doesn’t appreciate a romp with their favorite stuffy?
The tea parties, the road trips, the steady company through the night, and those moments when feelings feel a little too big to carry alone.
Me and Lavender, written by Melody C. Peugh and playfully illustrated by Eve Farb, is a delightful celebration of that special bond.
The story follows Ella and her beloved elephant, Lavender, as they head outdoors for a day of adventure…right before Mom’s tea party. They do their very best to stay tidy, but as all good play goes, mess happens.
And honestly? That’s half the magic.
When playtime winds down, Ella and Lavender clean up, with Ella in the bath and Lavender in the washing machine, so they’re both ready and refreshed for a ladies’ tea party. It’s a sweet, affirming moment that mirrors how children care for their stuffies as real companions, not just toys.
I especially love how Lavender is illustrated as a life-sized presence throughout the story. It beautifully reflects how children experience their favorite stuffies as trusted friends alongside them in every adventure, big or small.
And look at the whimsy in these illustrations! They are colorful, expressive, warm, and wonderfully child-centered. Eve Farb captures the movement, emotion, and facial expressions in a way that is authentic to how children move through their days.
Naturally, this story sparked so much imaginative play, but one idea leapt straight from the pages: mud pies.
Now, we’re deep in winter here, and real mud is a bit hard to come by. I’m all for messy play, but I also love a contained version when possible — especially indoors. So we improvised with dried beans and faux foliage, creating our own sensory “mud.”
What began as a simple mud pie invitation…quickly transformed into a full-blown mud sheet cake. Which feels exactly right for a toddler.
This one is a cozy keeper! And a beautiful reminder of the joy pretend play brings to children.

Rachel Freeman Smalley, picture book author
In Me & Lavender, Melody C. Peugh proves that the best adventures are brought to life with wonderful words like lickety-split, skedaddled, speedy, soggy, sudsy, splendid and more. Her lyrical text paired with Eve Farb’s whimsical illustrations invite readers along on a grand adventure with a special “come to life” stuffed elephant—Lavender. And before it’s all over, there is even a tea party where Lavender is declared “divine and top-rate” despite licking cookie crumbs from his plate. The most perfect read-aloud for a “bring your favorite stuffed animal to school day!”

About the Creators

Melody C. Peugh (pronounced pew) is a retired civil servant and a former Army wife, who spends her free time gardening, entertaining her granddaughters, and broadening young minds. She and her family live on a small farm in the central plains of Kansas. This is her debut picture book. 

Eve Farb is a psychologist whose passion is drawing. She has illustrated many picture books in Russian, as well as the well-received Clovis Keeps His Cool. See Eve’s work on Instagram @eve_farb. 

ISBN: HC 9781962269230  eBook 9781962269032 
Print Length: 32 Full Color Pages
Publication Date: May 2025
Age Group: 4-8
Library of Congress Control Number: 2025930324
Themes: Imagination, Playtime, Friendship, Rhyming

Activity Guides & More

• Me & Lavender Maze – Help Ella and Lavender make it back in time for tea!
• Me & Lavender Word Search – Can you find all of the words about Ella and Lavender’s adventures?
• Me & Lavender Drawing Activity – Draw a picture of your favorite stuffed animal like Lavender!
• Reading, writing, and drawing activities from Un Viaje en Libro

Leveling Information

Fountas and Pinnell – Text Level L

Lexile Measurements provided by Metametrics:

Lexile Display: AD560L
Word Count: 420
MSL: 6.885
MLF: 3.466
Decoding: 69
Decoding Display: High
Semantic: 78
Semantic Display: High
Syntactic: 68
Syntactic Display: High
Structure: 85
Structure Display: Very High