Lola Reads to Leo

December 19, 2011
In her third book, Lola has a new baby brother. Lola learns how to help take care of Leo—and how better than by sharing her love of reading? “Lola holds her best bear story while Mommy feeds him.” Being a big sister means new responsibilities, and everyone is busy, but Lola knows that her parents still have time for her. Beardshaw’s smudgy acrylic depictions of quiet family moments should reassure readers who are anxious about the arrival of a new sibling. Ages 2–5.

January 1, 2012

PreS-Lola, who loves libraries, now "reads" to her new brother. She steps up to her big-sister role by cheering Leo up with a story when he is crying, telling him a duck tale at bath time, and sharing a book while their mother is breastfeeding. The simple text reflects Lola's point of view, and acrylic paintings bring homey details to warm youngsters' hearts. Lola mimics Mom's pregnancy belly, joins Dad in welcoming Leo at the hospital, and sweetly hovers over the baby's daily rituals. This gentle celebration of family promotes reading and the pleasures of being an older sibling.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.