Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

All I Gained is a heartwarming children's picture book written by Dale Maiella and Kara Shade, with illustrations by Kathleen Andrews. It tells the story of two best friends, Emma and Riley, who meet in an art class. Despite having different personalities and preferences, the girls form a strong bond that lasts for decades. They support each other through happy times and tough moments, including high school, breakups, college, marriage, and even their eventual separation. Throughout their friendship, they use the dragonfly as a symbol to represent their bond. When tragedy strikes, it brings hope and comfort. Celebrate the enduring power of friendship by picking up a copy of this book.

All I Gained is a beautiful book that will captivate young readers and remind everyone of the special relationships that can be formed through genuine connections. It explores themes of love, loyalty, loss, and resilience, and its messages will resonate with children and adults, and leave them with a lasting impression. The story has a good mix of emotions and themes that keep readers engaged throughout, from moments of excitement to those that tug at the heartstrings. This balance between lighter and heavier elements creates a compelling and unforgettable read. I loved that the authors used rhyming words because it added a rhythmic flow and a touch of whimsy to the story. The best part of this book is the artistic illustrations that bring the characters and their surroundings to life. The splash of bright colors makes the book look vibrant and attractive. All I Gained is a must-read for anyone who loves emotionally engaging children's storybooks with profound messages.