Any Charlie and Lola fans out there? I’m a real fan – and have been for a long time. In fact, Lauren Child is one of my top three authors I wish I could have been (but I really am truly also very happy to be me).
Anyhoo – if you love pink milk and imaginary friends, you’ll love this line-up of the some of my favouritist Charlie and Lola releases from this and last year.
My Best, Best Friend
I must admit, I love it when little Lola is faced with challenging situations. Not because I want her to suffer, but because I love how she deals with them – or rather, how big brother Charlie helps her deal with things.
When Lola’s best friendship with Lotta is skewed by the arrival of a – gasp – third person, Lola is crushed. So Charlie helps Lola find a way to show Lotta who her true best friend really is. Not through exclusion or manipulation, but rather through Being Oneself.
Not only do I adore Charlie and his beautiful big brothership, I love Lola’s vulnerability, innocence and pure belief that the world is magical and idyllic at all times. If only we grew up with this belief more firmly entrenched in our hearts.
Title: My Best, Best Friend
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Child
Publisher: Puffin, A$19.95RRP
Publication Date: 30 August 2010
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780141329444
For ages: 3-10
Type: Picture Book
Oh joy. I can’t imagine a child not enjoying this very busy book. A combination of all things fabulous.
Kids can personalize their book with their very own favourite things, they can enjoy short stories, throw a party, make some delicious pirate food, create cards, decorate their own sticker scenes and find enthralling insight into the lives of the C&L characters.
Kids can personalize their book with their very own favourite things, they can enjoy short stories, throw a party, make some delicious pirate food, create cards, decorate their own sticker scenes and find enthralling insight into the lives of the C&L characters.
A must-have for Charlie and Lola fans.
Title: My Really Big Charlie and Lola Busy Book
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Child
Publisher: Puffin, A$19.95RRP
Publication Date: 28 September 2009
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780141329130
For ages: 3-10
Type: Picture Book
When Lola receives some money from her grandparents to buy a long-awaited scooter, it’s not scooting all her friends are doing. It’s ice skating. And of course, Lola suddenly decides she needs her very own ice skates, ever so much.
Only thing is – she can’t skate.
Charlie tries to convince her that ice skates may not be the best idea, especially after all the other ‘items’ Lola has amassed over time, that end up at the bottom of the cupboard. Of course, Lola gets her ice skates – and of course, where do they end up?
Yet another slice-of-life tale as warm as apricot pie – and able to traverse many countries and children of the world.
Title: I Really, Really Need Actual Ice Skates
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Child
Publisher: Puffin, A$19.95RRP
Publication Date: 31 August 2009
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780141384740
For ages: 3-10
Type: Picture Book
This large format musical book will delight both younger and older children. Little fingers won’t be able to resist pushing the music buttons on each double page spread as Lola watches Charlie and his friend Marv practise for the school assembly.
First there’s a clarinet then a keyboard that sounds like outer space then a harp – then a sensational rendition by Lola herself… on milk bottles filled with pink milk. The ensuring story is charming, but the additions to the book are my picks.
Not only is there a huge poster kids can use to announce their very own music show, there’s also a sticker sheet and decorative stencil, and best of all – an instruction booklet on how to put on the best music show ever.
Kind of makes you want to sing.
Title: I Want to Play Music too
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Child
Publisher: Puffin, A$29.95RRP
Publication Date: 26 October 2009
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780141384498
For ages: 3-10
Type: Picture Book
Squee!!! Watch out for the review in November, right here on KBR.
