Lola Reads to Leo

This book was amazing! I love how the gender roles are nonexistent. Lola’s dad was seen folding clothes. Taking care of the baby’s diaper and reading to the children. I also love the fact that the book is about a little black girl’s passion to read books to her little brother. It’s touching, and I love it!

As you may know from her other books (Lola Loves Stories and Lola at the Library), Lola loves to read. Her day always ends with a story read by her parents. In the newest Lola installment, Lola’s family is getting ready for a new baby. Lola helps by sorting through her books to find good stories for the new shelves in the baby's room. When baby Leo is born, Lola cheers him up by telling him stories when he cries, she reads her potty book to him when he is getting his diaper changed, and she even reads her best duck book while he takes a bath. Everyone is busy with the new baby and even Lola helps out. But it is never “too busy to end the day with a story for the best big sister of all.”

McQuinn has once again created a loving story show more of kind-hearted, book-loving Lola. The text is written in third person and printed in large bold letters, making it easy to follow along. The words are simple and straightforward; free of sugarcoated sentiments and clichés. Beardshaw’s illustrations are colorful and painterly. I especially love Lola’s brightly patterned outfits and curly mop of hair. The story shows a caring and affectionate family that just happens to be African-American.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2012/08/book-224-lola-reads-to-leo-by-anna.h... show less

Lola experiences the addition of a little brother to the family. Simple story line with short sentences, but rich with content and interaction between sister and little brother.

Lola's mother is pregnant and Lola explores her feelings in a short sentence or two then reads to her brother once he arrives. Simple story rich with content and affection/interaction with younger siblings.

Lola enjoys being read to. She's a bit nervous about a new baby brother coming, but learns that she really enjoys reading to him! Great book for children expecting a new sibling. Recommend ages 3-6

Many children can relate to being an older brother or an older sister early on in their lifetime. Lola reads to Leo, is about an older sister, preparing for the arrival of her younger brother. Her journey with helping her mom raise her little brother can inspire the minds of young readers who have little siblings on the way. Lola begins by reading to her little brother and helping her mother in any way possible. I would read this book to a group of pre-1st graders, because they may experience having a little sibling even at a very young age.

This was a good book! I liked how Lola took the initiative to help out with her little brother Leo and read to him when she believed he needed attention.. (even when he needed something else)!
Ages: 3-5
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