Reviews

The glass hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

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Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781509882816. 256pp.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended. This is a deeply complex story, its narrative structure demanding our attention and echoing that complexity. Emily Mantel's narrative is interwoven in time and place, as she delves into the dark world of the pursuit of wealth at any cost, moving always between the past, the present, and indeed briefly into the future. While this is a challenge for the reader, the story is absolutely riveting, as we are given frequent little clues as to the darker deeds that are at the heart of this narrative, and are made progressively aware of the immorality of what is happening.
In a sense, this clever narrative controls what we know and only reveals small details of the lives of the characters, their activities, and their lives' trajectories. So we have to work to build our own sense of what we know about their world and their interactions, motivations, daily lives and their fate. It sparkles and it is gloomy, it puzzles and it reveals, and we are led through an extraordinary tale of venomous acts, of cheating those who place their trust in people, and of a deep and complex mystery. Ultimately, we are driven to ask what might be the meaning of the title, that glass hotel that can be seen from the outside but what is seen is only part of the story and really the actions that take place are not seen. So that glass is both transparent and opaque, allowing some information to be seen and understood and the deeper mystery and evil is unseen, yet is in plain sight if the characters were able to perceive that what they see is evil.
Taking place in various areas, such as a ship, the city of Manhattan, or the wilds of British Columbia, Mandel's narrative leads us deeply into the setting in which the narratives take place, and we also become aware of some of the odd aspects of the characters' lives. In exposing the notions of illegality and immorality in the pursuit of wealth, Mandel presents these choices as being acceptable to those for whom others' lives are immaterial, where one's corrupt actions may lead to knowingly ruining people's lives. This is a gripping aspect of the novel, as Mantel pushes the reader to seek answers as to the rationale for the choices made by the characters, and their capacity to live with ruining the lives of others through the ongoing massive levels of deceit.
Mandel presents this very intriguing narrative as a reflection on the breakdown of the usual expectations of a good life, or indeed of a life seen to be well-lived, rather showing us how, and sometimes why, the expectations that we have can be drastically skewed. In demonstrating how one character's life can be dramatically changed by a single action, choice or event, Mandel forces us to consider, and thus to grasp, how this could impact dramatically on a person's life. Perhaps the structure, cleverly giving us wonderful depth and a developing understanding of the events, shows us the way in which the puzzling nature of life elicits responses that we may never have expected.
This riveting novel would be suitable for older adolescents and adults.
Elizabeth Bondar

Elizabella and the haunting of Lizard Lake by Zoe Norton Lodge

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Illus. by Georgia Norton Lodge. Elizabella book 3. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651855.
(Age: 8-11years) Recommended. The third book in this entertaining series begins with Elizabella and her best friend Minnie in the Bilby Creek swimming pool talking about the Year 4 school camp. They are trying to decide which mischievous deeds they could get up to that would have the most impact. This sets the tone of the story and the reader will wait in anticipation for what comes next. The two girls are in separate bunk rooms at camp but this does not stop them meeting up at night and trying to solve the mystery of the suspected ghost that haunts the camp site. Both girls spend time in 'the think about what you've done' room at camp after causing great anxiety for the camp counsellors and school principal.
Within the main plot involving Elizabella there are a number of sub plots. Mr Gooblefrump, the Acting Principal, has been told to have a vacation to lower his stress levels so he decides to go on camp as he loves rules and believes the camp rules will release the happy chemicals he needs to function. Larry, the frill-neck lizard belonging to Elizabella, has stowed away in her bag in the hope of meeting like-minded lizards to converse with. He understands English perfectly but cannot speak it so hopes to encounter other lizards who can speak the language of Lizish. The missing camp counsellor who disappeared under mysterious circumstances is helped by Elizabella and Minnie on the final evening. There is also a new student Anaya whom the other children think is a liar but who surprises them in the end.
The characters in this story are all very likeable and believable. Mrs Goose, the camp cook, takes Elizabella under her wing, the three Camp Counsellors are forever happy even when they are not, Elizabella's classmates and friends are always wondering what will happen next and Elizabella and Minnie are somewhat oblivious to the mayhem they cause.
Throughout the book are small sketches that cleverly add interest to the story. At the end of the book is a Revenge Plan as well as a fairy tale written by Elizabella.
Elizabella and the haunting of Lizard Lake is an enjoyable read that will keep fans of Elizabella entertained and looking for the next book in the series. Themes: Friendship, School camp, Mystery, Humour.
Kathryn Beilby

Gregory Goose is on the loose: At the fair by Hilary Robinson

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Illus. by Mandy Stanley. Gregory Goose is on the Loose! series. New Frontier, 2020. ISBN: 9781925594959. 18pp. Board book.
(Age: 1-3) Another in this series, this time Gregory Goose is at the fair. This brightly coloured board book with its easy to read out loud narrative is sure to appeal to young children who will appreciate the opportunity to try and find Gregory Goose as he hides in the pages.
The illustrations of the fair are done in vivid colours with bright yellow and green foregrounds, lilac and pink skies, coloured balloons floating and lots of interesting details in each double spread. The young reader will get to see a carousel, giant slides, a big wheel, a space ride, a teacup ride, candy stalls and a hoopla tent, all giving the young child a taste of what they could find at a fair or show. Astute readers will notice little details like the tiny white dog that often appears on the pages and will appreciate the subtle humour and happy smiles on the faces of all the children who are enjoying the rides at the fair.
This joins others in the series, In the jungle and On the moon.
Pat Pledger

The January stars by Kate Constable

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Allen and Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760525026. 288pp.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. When twelve year old Clancy and sister, fourteen year old Tash visit their grandfather in his nursing home, where he has been confined after suffering a stroke, a series of incidents result in their kidnapping him, taking a taxi to his now deserted home and then moving on when the real estate agent calls the police. Tash is more reluctant, but Clancy sees only an old man unable to communicate, being used by their aunt Polly, and so decides to take things in hand. Their grandmother died some little while ago and it is her interest in astronomy that intrigues Clancy, saddened that she was not able to discuss this with her gran. But she feels her presence guiding the two in their efforts to help their grandfather, looking to the stars for help.
The opening chapter in this glorious novel reveals a tight knit family going through stressful times, exposing the characters of each within a few pages. Conversations brim with meaning, hidden depths and family history, with gaps to be filled in by the reader ensuring they will keep reading. Readers will recognise some of the discussion and events happening in their own homes, making it immediate and all the more credible.
Once at their grandfather's house, the girls must disappear, aware that the police are on their tails. Clancy follows Nan's lead, and they eventually find themselves in a magical bookshop, a place that looks like it has not opened for years. Here the owner greets grandfather as an old friend and they stay the night unburdening their story. Next day they go off in search of their aunt, Bee, whose address in Docklands proves a dead end, but the tenant gives them her address in the country. So they set off for Quoll Creek.
Here they encounter difficulties when their aunt is found, a resident at an ashram, and they must move on again. The girls seek out another aunt, and deciding that Pa wants to return to his own home, head there. The whole family ends up at the original family home at Rosella, where all the tensions boil over.
Through their journey the girls learn to rely on their own resourcefulness, overcome their difficulties with each other and blossom as responsible young women.
And for the middle school readers, the links to the stars, infused with indigenous stories of the Milky Way and dark Emu, form a guiding light for Clancy.
I just love stories set in a defined space. The sights and sounds of Melbourne provide a wonderful backdrop through references to Docklands, Rosella, the wonderful train system, laneways, Southern Cross and murals. The girls have taken on a mammoth task, but one with which many readers will sympathise, seeing their own families struggling to do their best by their aged parents. Teacher's tips are available. Themes: Stars, Family, Nursing homes, Aged, Kidnapping.
Fran Knight

My Mama by Annemarie van Haeringen

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Gecko Press. ISBN: 9781776572687. 32pp.
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Mama and her baby play together, her in her big floral day dress and he in his very fetching floral pants. Baby elephant feels very safe with his Mama: they play together, play on the swings, play with the toy cars on the floor, go shopping, all the while he is learning new experiences, while she is teaching him about the world, showing him how to behave. He tells us that he can climb a great mountain as he scrambles along her back, easily hide from her until he jumps out from behind her legs and shows himself, push her on the swing until she gets up higher, and help her with the shopping when he eats all the chips. Children will laugh loudly at the little elephant thinking her is helping Mama when it is really the other way around. Their life together is full of love, companionship and laughs, although now and again she has to tell him at length about what he has done wrong.
Translated from the Dutch, the story reflects a universal mother son relationship, and the wonderful sparse illustrations magnify the already large pair of animals.
Reflecting the striving of all children to be allowed more freedom, the story pokes gentle fun at the child who thinks he is ready to leave home and fly, when really he does what he does because Mama is there right by his side. Themes: Elephants, Mothers, Growing up.
Fran Knight

Agents of the wild: Operation Honeyhunt by Jennifer Bell

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Illus. by Alice Lickens. Walker Books 2020. ISBN: 9781406388459.
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Eight year old Agnes Gamble is an orphan: her Botanist parents died while collecting rare plants in Australia. She now lives in a high rise tower of flats with her Uncle Douglas.  She has developed a love of plants and animals just like her parents, but because of where they live, she is not able to have a pet.
But an Elephant Shrew sitting on her bed, tells her he is a field agent from a group called SPEARS (Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species) and he wants her to work for the agency.  She of course, jumps at the chance. Her first operation is Operation Honeyhunt and she and Attie head off for the rainforests of South America to rescue an endangered bee.
Agents of the wild is a fun, adventure-filled book following a young environmentalist who wants to follow in the footsteps of her parents, helping to protect and save endangered species.
The book's artwork helps bring the story to life, offering a face for readers to recognise and identify with. Information is given at the end of the book to help readers understand some of the threats to the environment and how they can help. Operation Icebeak, the second in the series will be published soon.  Themes: Adventure, Honey, Environment, Conservation.
Fran Knight

Crack up written and illustrated by Jules Faber

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Max Crack series. Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781760783914.
(Age: 8+). Recommended. Crack Up by Jules Faber is the second in the Max Crack series. The books are hand written in journal style and feature illustrations and diagrams, conversations and entertaining anecdotes throughout. In this story Max and his best mate Frankie are on the search for a new quest or two. The major quests turn out to include finding a meteorite and having it named after them, reuniting two feuding sisters, making a movie The Quest for Freedom Island, setting a world record with their classmates and the final quest - attending a pop concert. Over the course of the journal they undertake a number of smaller quests as well with support for all quests from their family and friends. The two boys also have a talent for drawing as well as vivid imaginations and create comics to sell. Their strong friendship and comradery is key to the story but in this book there is also an added interest when they both begin to show an awareness of girls of their own age.
Jules Faber is a well know cartoonist and illustrator who has illustrated the WeirDo series by comedian Anh Do, David Warner's Kaboom Kid series, Michael Pryor's Leo Da Vinci series and Alex Ratt's Stinky Street Stories. He has an intuitive understanding about what style appeals to those middle primary readers who enjoy humour, slapstick comedy and an action packed read. At the end of the book are blank pages for the reader to complete with headings such as Your Quest List, Your Favourite Movie, World Records you want to set plus Places you want to explore. Themes: Friendship, Journal Writing, Quests, World Records, School Life, Family Life, Humour.
Kathryn Beilby

Peppa loves our planet

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Peppa Pig. Penguin Random House Children's UK, 2020. ISBN: 9780241436721. 32pp.
(Age: 3-4) Peppa loves our planet is another story in the Peppa Pig series, which most small children will recognise from the ABC TV series. This one starts with the children attending playgroup and finding out that it is Love our Planet week. This sparks lots of conversation amongst the children, and they discover many ways in which they can help save the planet. They are given the task to make a scrapbook at home, which becomes a event where everyone in Peppa's family contributes to the ways in which they can help.
This book is a wonderful starting point for children around the ages of 3-4years who are discovering how they can help our planet in simple ways, and also without too much change to their routine.
The ideas are easy to implement and also simple to understand enabling children can grasp the concept and add in to their daily life without too much issue.
The concepts include recycling, growing food, turning off lights and composting food scraps. These are all things that are easy for children to do and also for families to assist with.
I think that this book could be used as an introduction to the concepts for parents, or equally as a group time story for kindergarten children. It is easy to read, simple concepts and uses familiar characters which many children will be able to engage with.
Lauren Fountain

Landing with wings written and illustrated by Trace Balla

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Allen and Unwin, 2020. ISBN 9781760296957.
(Age: 7-12 years). Highly recommended. Landing with wings is a beautifully written book which draws the reader in with a delightful story, gentle caring characters and wonderfully detailed graphic illustrations. It is set in Dja Dja Wurrung Country and throughout the story, reference to places, plants, animals and birds is often made in the language of the traditional owners. Landing with wings is the story of Miri and her mother who have moved once more - this time from the warmth of the north to the goldfields of Victoria. Miri is tiring of moving and leaving things behind especially the tea-tree that she writes to in her journal and shares her new life experiences with detailed observations. Miri makes friends with her neighbours, Wingo and Swee Ling, who give Miri and her mother the start they need to become a part of the local community. Wingo and Miri spend time together building a larger pond for the resident frog which they learn is a Bibron's toadlet and through this collective task they learn more about each other. Swee Ling gives Miri an old, rusty bike and with Wingo she is able to explore the local landscape. Wingo is descended from the traditional owners of the land and shares his deep knowledge with Miri.
Throughout this story the reader has the opportunity to learn new and fascinating facts as well as being able to look intently at each page to fully appreciate the finely detailed images. The author shares her absorbing journey with this book in notes at the end. Endpapers at the beginning of the book also give the names of birds, plant and animals in the local language. The imagery and words by Trace Balla communicate a poignant and thoughtful story which will resonate with audiences both young and old. Teacher's tips and activities are available. Themes: Friendship, Australian wildlife, Aboriginal culture, Moving, New communities, New experiences.
Kathryn Beilby

Jacinda Ardern, a new kind of leader by Madeleine Chapman

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Nero, 2020. ISBN: 9781760641818.
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Highly recommended. A book about Jacinda Ardern - Yes! I want to read it! For readers who feel like me, this book sets out her life in orderly chapters, from her early childhood in small town Murupara as the daughter of the local policeman, her time as student representative in the slightly larger Morrinsville, and her career moving through the hierarchy of the Labour Party; but while it is all faithfully recorded with an often slightly amusing twist of words, for someone who wants the inside on this world renown leader, I have to say, it does disappoint a little. But maybe that is not the fault of the biographer, for whilst the book is the result of extensive research, listed in the sources at the end, there is no intimate revelation from the subject or anybody close to her. Jacinda Ardern remains a private person; we have to work it out for ourselves.
However it is interesting that Ardern was raised as a Mormon. Her friendships with LGBTQIA+ people in her later student years led her to break from the theology, whilst still retaining family and community ties. Perhaps it was that mix of moral values and discovery of social justice issues that marked the beginnings of the person she is today, and the values of kindness and fairness that she espouses.
In her chapter on 'Helen and Jacinda', Chapman leads us into a thoughtful exploration of the world of politics for female leaders, comparing the stern and brusquely efficient style of Helen Clark 'beating men at their own game', and Jacinda Ardern, initially described as a 'pretty little thing' or 'babe', combining a natural warmth and empathy with a determination and dedication to achieve Labour Party goals. Chapman suggests that Ardern's style benefitted from her ability to communicate via social media as well as her steady focus on the important issues.
And of course, Ardern's response to the Christchurch terrorist attack in 2019 stands as an example of compassionate and caring leadership, attracting worldwide praise. Churchman examines the highs and lows of Ardern's time as Prime Minister, and whether she has delivered the transformation that she promised. Ultimately it will be up to the next election as to whether New Zealanders want to continue with this 'new kind of leader'.
Senior secondary students of politics will find interesting chapters in this book suitable for thoughtful discussion, particularly the challenges for women in politics, the idea of wellbeing at the centre of government policy, and the model of leadership that expresses empathy and compassion in a world where many leaders embody the opposite. And there is the bonus of two key Ardern speeches included in full - NZ National Statement to the United Nations General Assembly, 2018, and the Statement on Christchurch Mosque Terror Attack, 2019.
Themes: Biography, New Zealand, Women in leadership, Politics, Terrorism, Kindness.
Helen Eddy

I don't want to be quiet by Laura Ellen Anderson

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Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526602442. 32pp.
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. The heroine of this uproariously funny tale loves to be noisy. She chats, laughs and claps in school despite being asked by the teacher to listen. She stomps down stairs, drums with the spoons and hums when Mum has asked for quiet. She cannot help herself: clanging, stomping, slurping, crunching, splashing and even burping. She and the class go into the library where everyone else sits down to read a book, but she interrupts, complaining it is too quiet. When everyone tells her that she must be quiet, and the page has a row of 'shh' across the top, she takes down a book like the others and finds herself spellbound.
In rhyming lines, the story of the girl's change of heart unfolds. Reading out loud would be thrilling for the audience, involved in the tale of this too loud girl and the words which describe the noises she makes. Kids will love the rhymes, predicting the rhyming word at the end of each pair of lines, deciding what noise will go with each word, standing up to make the stomping or clapping or slurping or clanging words along with the reader.
And the illustrations too will entreat younger readers to look at the young girl, surrounded by illustrative techniques which show noise.
No child can be quiet when her mouth is wide open, or sit surrounded by exclamation marks, or jumping down stairs, or sploshing through puddles: each page reflects the noise of the child, just as the last few pages reflect the quiet time as she reads a book. A playful list of rhyming words, enhanced with wonderfully apt illustrations will make this a favourite read aloud and join in book. Themes: Quietness, Noise, Reading, Read aloud, Family, Verse.
Fran Knight

Isla's family tree by Katrina McKelvey and Prue Pittock

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EK Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781925820379. 32pp., hbk.
Isla's family is about to grow and she is not happy. "This family is full", she declares.
So her mother sits her down and explains how families are like trees - they have a trunk that is formed by the grandparents, branches formed by their children and then the leaves are the children of those children like Isla and her cousins. Isla begins to understand but when she learns that her mum is to have two babies, then there is no room for any more leaves on her branch and the family is definitely full.
The prospect of a new baby entering an already tight-knit family is very common and can be very confronting to a child who is used to being the only one, so this approach to explaining the upcoming event is one that will appeal to many parents. Promoting it with your parent community would be a great way to promote the school library's relationship with that community.
However it would also have a valuable place in the early childhood classroom as children investigate their families and their structure. Not all of Isla's family have the traditional formation of mother, father and children so there is scope for each child to make their own tree and show and share that families can have all sorts of shapes, just as trees and their leaves do, perhaps bringing comfort to those who might see themselves as being different.
Investigating their own origins is always a surefire winner with young children because it deeply connects to their own lives and there are as many branches to explore as there are in the family tree. The concepts of birthdays, naming, physical appearance and genetics, development and maturation, vocabulary building . . . the list is almost endless with lots of other stories that can be shared as well. There are teachers' notes available.
It also helps children understand that their trepidation when faced with the same sort of news and change is normal, that sometimes we have to change a little ourselves so we can adapt to that change but that's what people do and it can help us grow too.
Another example of how what appears to be a simple picture book for young readers can open up a world of possibilities.
Barbara Braxton

Old enough to save the planet by Loll Kirby

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Illustrated by Adelina Lirius. Magic Cat Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781916180529.
(Age: 8-13) Highly recommended. Old enough to save the planet by Loll Kirby is a thoughtfully presented non-fiction book which clearly gives an easy and understandable insight into many aspects that are contributing to climate change. Each of the twelve child activists have chosen a different facet of climate change to focus on and through their efforts encourage other children and adults to be aware of pressing issues which can be addressed in very simple and worthwhile ways. Three of the activists include Himangi from India who is a campaigner for reducing the effects of traffic pollution outside her school, Eunita from Kenya who is the founder of a community garden that promotes the natural process of pollination, as well as Shalise from Australia who protects the ocean by cleaning up human pollution from the shore.
Each activist has a double page spread which gives a brief introduction to the issue and how they are working to help solve the problem. The detailed and beautifully drawn illustrations by Adelina Lirius are interspersed with relevant and interesting facts. In the final pages of the book is information about how you can help to save the planet as well as ten things you can do to make your voice heard.
This is an important book that may inspire more children to follow in the footsteps of these young climate change activists. A great resource for teachers with the opportunity to do further research on this very significant and serious topic. Themes: Child activists, Climate change, Environmental issues, Conservation, Sustainability, Working together.
Kathryn Beilby

Between two evils by Eva Dolan

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Zigic & Ferreira. Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781408886441.
(Age: Senior secondary, Adult) Highly recommended. Between two evils is the parallel stories of abuse. One takes place within the locked precincts of a female immigration detention centre, the other evolves from the overturning of a case of rape due to DNA evidence being brought into question. DS Ferreire and DI Zigic are tested ethically and morally as this team from Peterborough sort through a maze of secretive bureaucracy and downright manipulation to get at the truth and a conviction.
The murder of Dr. Joshua Ainsworth in his home just outside the detention centre where he works in the medical clinic is brutal, and it seems connected with his job. Ainsworth is an enigma. Some speak highly of him, as a caring, ethical doctor working in a difficult situation. Others, like the demonstrators outside the centre, see him as part of an evil and repressive government regime. The privately run Long Fleet detention centre was not exactly forthcoming with information, putting a wall of data protection and privacy legislation as excuses.
The other blow to the investigative team came when news broke that Lee Walton a serial rapist and murderer had been released due to problems with the examination of DNA evidence. It had been a long and difficult case which now seemed all for nothing. But Walton then begins to threaten Ferreire to reestablish his contacts with his wife and son who had been moved away for their own protection.
It seems the only way to put Walton away is to reopen an old case. A case which on the surface was watertight being finalised with a confession. A confession that was given after a series of interrogations by their current superior. A clandestine investigation carried out without knowledge of most of the team and always with the threat of it blowing up in their faces.
With the background of racism, bigotry and politics this is a story of the present not just applicable to the United Kingdom and Australia, but universally where conservatism and misplaced nationalism are on the rise.
This is the first of Dolan's Ferreira and Zigic novels I have read. There four others in the series; Long way home, Tell no tales, After you die and Watch her disappear. It may be helpful to have read others in giving a background to the protagonists, which coming in cold did assume prior knowledge. However Dolan's writing hauls you into the narrative and the 468 pages seem to fly by. Themes: Crime fiction, Detention centres, Rape, DNA.
Mark Knight

Lola Dutch I love you so much by Kenneth Wright and Sarah Jane Wright

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Bloomsbury, ISBN: 9781547601172.
(Age: 4-6) Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright's third picture book Lola Dutch I love you so much is another delightful, creative story based on the five love languages.
Lola's friends aren't having a very good day. Gator is feeling cold and cranky, while Crane's favourite picture book is lost, and Pig is just positively peevish. Lola always brims with positivity and creativity; she knows the perfect solution for their problems. Using resources from around their house she sews a bold yellow stripe outfit for Gator, tidies up books scattered everywhere and creates a special book nook for Crane. Pig feels a little left out until Lola packs up a picnic and they all set off for the park. What about friend Bear? Of course, there is something special for her friend. Lola too, is not forgotten and all her friends show their love with a special party.
What a charming story to share with youngsters; Lola Dutch is a caring friend, thinking of others and always wanting to make her friends happy. This is based on the Wright's own family as they share the message of thinking about others, being creative and using home resources to cheer others up. Sarah Jane Wright's soft watercolour scenes add to the charm and joie de vivre expressed in the easy to read text. The jacket cover includes a cute party scene, two puppets and special note to share, with additional resources available online. Themes: Love, Friendship, Creativity.
Rhyllis Bignell