Lola le lee al pequeño Leo

Lola Reads #3

by Anna McQuinn, Yanitzia Canetti (Translator), Rosalind Beardshaw (Illustrator)

Lola se convierte en una hermana mayor en su más reciente cuento a favor de los libros y la lectura. Lo mismo a la hora de cambiar pañales, que a la hora del baño, que a la hora de la siesta, Lola sabe exactamente cuál es el mejor libro para leerle al pequeño Leo.

¡Los hermanos pequeños dan mucho trabajo, pero la atenta y dispuesta Lola está a la altura de esta tarea!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Storytime, Fiction, Books About Books, African American

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

I am so lucky to spend my life working with books and stories. I've run groups for babies, toddlers and their parents in libraries, reading stories and introducing children and carers to great books; I spend time writing and I'm Editor-at-Large for the magnificent independent publisher, AlannaMax in the UK.
In my spare time, I read - what a wonderful life!
There are some Children's Books on my shelves (obviously) but for a more comprehensive selection of children's recommendations, look at Lulu's shelves:
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/32...

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I’m surprised that this book doesn’t show as having higher ratings. Right now the average is 3.64 stars. I loved it.

This is the perfect book for families with a child and expecting another child or where there is a younger/baby sibling in the family.

I have really liked at least two other Lola books but this one might be my favorite so far. Lola has a loving mother and father and she gets a bedtime story every night. Starting with Lola’s mommy’s pregnancy, Lola starts planning for and giving books to the new baby. When Lola’s brother Leo is born she reads to him and tries to help in other ways. The whole family is busy with Leo but not too busy for Lola’s bedtime story. This is a sweet story about family love. I like that both parents are involved in both children’s care. I love how Lola picks out books to fit the occasion, trying to help Leo feel better when he cries.

I love the illustrations. I was thrilled to see a picture of Leo nursing. “It turns out he is just hungry. Lola holds her best bear story while Mommy feeds him. She and Mommy read it together.” It is obvious that Lola is still a very young child. As Leo gets his diaper changed, Lola is sitting on a potty chair, and reading “him her best potty book.” It’s so cute.

Family love. Book and reading love. Wonderful!

Highly recommended for 2 to 6 year olds who are older siblings, and some older children too. This is designed as a read aloud book but will also be enjoyed by young independent readers.

Now, the only negative, as I see it, is that it’s ALL positive. Lola seems to feel absolutely no jealousy and doesn’t seem to have any ambivalent feelings about her new baby brother and her new place in the family. But I guess not every single book with this theme has to address these aspects. There are plenty of books about new babies in the family. I would suggest this be paired with a book that shows the child/children having a wider range of feelings. Kids read this book and no other might think any negative feelings they have are aberrant. With that caveat, this is now on my list of books to give as gifts to children about to be big sisters/big brothers.

4 ½ stars

[SaraLaLa · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're expecting to have a second baby, this would be a cute story to read to the first one. Lola is a soon-to-be big sister of Leo. He is born part way through the story and the family has to change their routine to comfort him. Throughout this story, Lola reads to Leo; a different type of story for each occasion. It's a sweet way to role model how an older sibling should behave. It even gently reminds the parents to not be too busy for their eldest child.

I only gave it 3 stars because, although it was sweet, I find that I need a little more excitement in my stories.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet little "new baby" book. Lola helps her family get ready for her new brother, Leo, and once he's born, she helps her parents by reading to him as they all go through their day. There are lots of simple images of diaper changing, feeding, sleeping, bath time, nap time, etc.

I really like that this book features a black family and normalizes breastfeeding as well. The illustrations are warm and inviting and there are ample opportunities for discussion.

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola shares her favorite pastimes - especially books! - with her new brother Leo.

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Lola series. I like how Lola picks books that connect with the activity Leo is doing at the time. I like that everyone pitches in to help around the house. I like the inclusion of breast feeding without the need for an explanation.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, gentle story for any child expecting a new sibling

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lola!!

[Jeannie Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola is back and she is joined by her brand-new baby brother. Beardshaw’s bright illustrations in acrylic on paper bring McQuinn’s simple story to life. Children can relate to the everyday activities of the family, and African-American children will delight to see themselves reflected in the book. The cover shows a diminutive Lola in an armchair with baby Leo and a book on her lap. The soft lines and Lola’s fuzzy hair invite the reader to enjoy a gently told story. This style of illustration is typical of Beardshaw who is also a published author.
The story begins with a double-page spread showing Lola and her mommy engaging in their nightly routine of reading the bedtime story. The sentences employed are straightforward in structure and text for the youngest audience. Each page or double-page focuses on a single, uncomplicated event which the illustrations flesh out.
This charming book could be used one-on-one with parents and a young child who is expecting a sibling, or in a preschool environment where the children are learning about families.

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 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/2...

[Lindsay Surmeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

For this book, I made a text to self connection. A text to self connection is when you relate something from the text to something in your own life personally. On page 16, Lola reads and sings to her newborn baby brother so he stops crying and goes to sleep. I made a text to self connection with Lola singing and entertaining her little brother. My older sister used to put on plays, dance, and sing for me when I was born. I don't remember this, but I have seen plenty of home videos of her doing it. They would make me smile or laugh and she loved having a baby sister, even if we were 6 years apart. This type of adoration for their younger sibling I saw in Lola.

[Stefani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has the "awww" factor! It's a sweet story about how Lola is read to by mom and dad, then when her baby brother is born, she reads to him. Nothing groundbreaking, but definitely a keeper.

Plus, what librarian can resist a book that is so focused on young children and families reading? I especially loved how Lola found similar situations, despite the age difference (Leo gets his diaper changed while she's on the potty). Just cute cute cuteness.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola has a new baby brother at home and for his every need she has the perfect book.

This book covers the needs of a new baby and how a family adjusts to the change. Highly recommended for older siblings who are welcoming little brothers or sisters home.

On another note, this book is a great advertisement for books! Lola matches a books to her brother's every need or routine and she does a top notch job, this librarian approves :)

[Yasmin Lucero]

This is a really good book about getting ready for a new baby. My daughter loves all of the Lola books because she finds then super relatable. This one models Lola coping well with the overwhelming addition of a new little brother. But, it doesn't put an overly rosy spin on things either. I really appreciate this book.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola gladly helps out when her new baby brother arrives, reading and telling him stories. Warm illustrations show this loving African American family welcoming their new baby and supporting Lola’s new role; best of all, her parents make sure they have time to read Lola her own bedtime story because she’s "the best big sister of all."

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Reads to Leo. This is a book to get kids excited about reading. Lola is a new big sister and she wants to share her books and love for reading with him. The illustrates will be intriguing for young kids. Make sure you share this book with hopes to ignite the desire to read with every child you meet.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darling story about Lola and her parents welcoming the arrival of her new baby brother to her family. Determined to read to him, McQuinn illustrates how Lola helps her parents and is an awesome big sister. An excellent book about family and for sharing when welcoming new siblings into the family. Highly recommended.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola is going to have a baby brother soon so she practices helping to take care of a new baby. When he finally arrives she reads to him too. This book has bright beautiful colors and a good message of helping. I especially like that the dad does laundry.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola is becoming a big sister and she takes her job very seriously: she reads to little brother Leo, sings to him and even shares her toys. Being a big sister is very hard work but both Lola and Leo love to end their day with a good story. A must-read for the preschool set!

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully sweet story about all of the books that Lola reads to her new baby brother. Lovely illustrations (including a very modest scene of Lola's mom breastfeeding) and a story about kindness makes this a great read for big siblings-t0-be.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This will be at the top of my list for recommending to patrons seeking picture books from the "new baby at my house" genre. Great addition to the Lola series and stands alone well, too.

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good prep for our big brother Emerson!
Realistic--baby cries so Lola reads him her favorite book, etc.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me some Lola and Leo. Anna McQuinn does a great job of providing expectations for a new baby while not making it scary.

[Calynn McInerney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to see African American characters in a children's book with realistic traits shown like Lola's hair. Mirrors Windows and Sliding Glass Doors talks about the importance of diversity in children's literature because children learn so much from seeing themselves reflected in books. Having a mirror to see oneself reflected in stories is extremely important for a child's self-worth. In the story, Lola and her mom read a book about a family, and on the cover was a picture of a family of Asian descent. The diversity in the details was great for readers to see! To touch on the actual storyline, I really enjoyed this story because it highlighted the time and effort that goes into a new baby as they are a constant job but it still showed the importance of the parents having special time for the older child. Unlike many books in this genre, it doesn't really touch on the older child's fear of being seen as unimportant or being jealous. I think it would have been more realistic and easier for children to relate if there was some jealousy. The story mainly focuses on the excitement that comes with becoming an older sibling which is still great to discuss. Overall it was a great read for any family with a new baby on the way because it shows how the family becomes very busy but they're not too busy to read to Lola as she does for her younger brother.

[Ashra Vahora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book name is Lola Reads to Leo (Leo Can!), The author's name is Anna McQuinn. To Preschool to third grades levels. Lola is little girl who adores reading, becomes a big sister when her baby brother, Leo, is born. Eager to share her love for books, Lola reads to Leo daily, helping him grow familiar with stories and books from a young age. As she reads to him, she plays a nurturing role, showing how reading can be part of everyday life and family bonding. Through Lola's example, young readers see how reading can help build sibling relationships and support emotional growth.

Metaphor:
Reading is portrayed as a nurturing act in the story, like planting seeds that will help Leo grow. Just as plants need care to flourish, Lola's reading helps Leo thrive emotionally and intellectually. The books serve as stepping stones to learning and connection, fostering a lifelong love for stories between the siblings.

[Primavera Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is so cute in terms of showing the relationship between a sister and her little brother. This book is great for a child who has a younger sibling on the way or in their life already. The images in this book show a lighthearted atmosphere despite how hard it can be with a newborn baby. This book does a great job of showing how to be a great big brother or sister by caring and loving your younger siblings. Even something as little as reading to your sibling can create a bond between them. This book is an easy book to read and young children can relate to this topic as well. Sometimes having a younger siblings can be tough, especially in terms of bonding with them. This book can help children find little ways to bond with their sibling which is a great concept to introduce children to!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola is excited to be a big sister. When Mommy shows Lola her big belly and Lola pretends to have a baby belly too, just like Mommy. When her baby brother Leo is born, Lola is eager to help. Sometimes she reads to Leo and other times she cares for her teddy like a baby. She helps Daddy too. Lola is a great big sister! There's not much story here, it's pretty simple but useful to help a young child understand that babies require a lot of care and the big sibling can and needs to help out.

The illustrations are adorable. Lola and her family have dark skin but this is not an issue book. There's nothing "divisive" about a positive portrayal of a nuclear family coming together to care for a new baby.

[JG (Introverted Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola is such a good big sister in this cute little picture book. She goes through the many aspects of little Leo's average day with a book in hand, ready to read the appropriate book to her little brother for any situation, be it diaper changes, feeding, or bedtime. Young bibliophiles will relate to her.

Rosalind Beardshaw's artwork is bright and fun. I particularly liked the picture of Lola reading to Leo from her potty chair as he got his diaper changed. Poor mom! She has her hands full! I also like that the pictures are from Lola's point of view, so if she's standing, the perspective is about counter height and the adults are cut off somewhere around the knees. We're immersed in her small world.

Highly recommended.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am tempted to remove a star because this is a little TOO idyllic. As a veteran of the sibling rivalry wars (hell, it's still ongoing and the girls are now both legally adults :D ), I find Lola's total imperturbability in the face of Leo's crying to be a little less than believable. Still, this is a lovely series, and the idea of reading your favorite books to that new baby is a nice one, so I'll give it that extra star.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola has just become a new sister. But Lola is ready and she helps out the best way she can ... by reading books to Leo when he’s crying. She helps Mommy and Daddy, too, because having a new baby is lots of work. “But they are not to busy to end the day with a story ...”

Another sweet addition to this series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So my daughter has a little brother and she does so many of the things Lola does for Leo, we really related to this one. I felt it did a really good job talking about a lot of the things that happen with a new baby in the family and showing that Lola still gets her mom and dad's attention and gets to help out.