"Beginners Welcome" by Cindy Baldwin tells the story of a young girl named Alice, who is navigating the complexities of childhood, identity, and creativity. After moving to a small town, Alice discovers a hidden talent for painting but struggles with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of not being good enough. As she forms friendships with other children and confronts her insecurities, Alice learns the value of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing her unique artistic voice. This heartwarming tale explores themes of friendship, creativity, and the courage it takes to pursue one’s passions. [Generated by language model - please report any problems].

This book has been graded for interest at 9-12 years.

This book was published in 2020 by HarperCollins .

Cindy Baldwin is a fiction writer, essayist, and poet. She grew up in North Carolina and still misses the sweet watermelons and warm accents on a daily basis. As a middle schooler, she kept a book under her bathroom sink to read over and over while fixing her hair or brushing her teeth, and she dreams of writing the kind of books readers can't bear to be without. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter, surrounded by tall trees and wild blackberries. Where the Watermelons Grow is her debut novel and is followed by Beginners Welcome. Learn more about Cindy at www. cindybaldwinbooks. com.