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Charlie & Lola

Maar dat is mijn boek!

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Traditional Chinese edition of But Excuse Me That is My Book (Charlie and Lola). 7-year old Charlie and the almost-5 Lola are brother and sister. This series shows at how they deal with the issues that arise in their daily life. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.

26 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2005

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572 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Child

451 books837 followers
Lauren Child MBE is an English author and illustrator. She was the UK Children's Laureate from 2017-19.

Child grew up in Wiltshire as the middle child of three sisters and the daughter of two teachers. She has always been interested in the many aspects of childhood, from gazing into toy shop windows to watching American children's shows from the 1960s. After attending two Art Schools, she travelled for six months, still unsure about which career to embark upon.

Before writing and illustrating children's books Child started her own company 'Chandeliers for the People' making lampshades. It was only when she came to write and illustrate the book Clarice Bean, That's Me that she decided to devote her time to writing and illustrating books for children, which combines her fascination for childhood and her talent for designing and creating. Child gets her inspiration from other people's conversations or from seeing something funny happen.

Her book I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato won the 2000 Kate Greenaway Medal. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation's favourite. It finished third in the public vote from that shortlist.

Child lives in North London.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Gerry.
Author 43 books118 followers
October 8, 2024
How can one possibly resist a book with such a title? I certainly could not for I will quite happily say to anyone who tries to intervene, 'THAT is MY book', in other words 'leave it alone'!

Charlie and Lola are brother and sister and Lola loves reading books. However, there is one book that she regards as really special, or in her own words, 'extra specially special'. That book is entitled 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies' and her Dad says that he will take her to the library to borrow a copy.

Charlie is bemused for he points out that their father took that book out for Lola the last time they visited the library, and the time before that, and the time before that ...

Lola is not concerned for she stresses that it is her favourite book and that she really needs it - NOW. She tells Charlie that it is undoubtedly the best book in the whole world. She even gives him some examples from the text (for she has borrowed it so often that she can almost recite it verbatim!)

All the way to the library Lola says, 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies' and emphasises that she really must get the book. She continues with this diatribe in the library, so much so that Charlie has to tell her, 'Shh! Lola, it's a library. We have to be quiet.' But Lola can't find her book and she says so and she noisily begins looking at all the books beginning with a B. 'Be quiet,' urges Charlie.

It is to no avail as Lola continues 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies' and stresses once more that it is her book. Charlie tries to explain that someone else has probably borrowed it but Lola's retort is, 'But they can't. It's MY book.'

Charlie tries to refer her to the hundreds and hundreds of other books on various subjects but Lola's retort is 'Too many big words, my book has pictures that I really like.' With this in mind Charlie tries to find a book with more pictures and less words for her. He finds her a book about helicopters, an encyclopaedia and an amusing pop-up book. Lola rejects them all telling him that the pop-up book is not funny whereas 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies' is and it makes her 'laugh and laugh and laugh'.

Charlie then tries her with other animal books with no success at which point Lola sees a girl with her book under her arm. 'I don't think she knows it is my book,' exclaims Lola as the girl departs, book under her arm.

'Try one on Cheetahs and Chimpanzees,' says Charlie. Lola concedes and replies that she will try but stresses, 'It won't be as good as 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies.' But when she examines it she finds the cheetahs are fast and the chimpanzees are cheeky so, suddenly she has a change of heart and says, 'You know what, Charlie, this book is probably the most best book in the whole wide world'. Suddenly 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies' is forgotten and she is happy with her new book!

Well, this copy is now MY book and beware anyone who tries to take it from me.
8 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2014
I personally enjoy the Charlie and lola collection book and how they are written in the way children speak. ‘But excuse me that is my book’ is about lola going to the library with her big brother Charlie. Lola is excited about reading her favourite book ‘beetles bugs and butterflies' yet that excitement soon disappears when she realises that someone else has taken her book. Charlie tries his hardest to persuade lola to read a different book but lola cannot understand why someone has taken her book. Finally Charlie manages to persuade lola to look at a different book which she ends up enjoying.

I think this is a really good book in encouraging children to read and getting them to look at a variety of books. I think it would be a good book to read in the EYFS and KS1 to the whole class.
Profile Image for J-Lynn Van Pelt.
593 reviews29 followers
January 30, 2009
This book would be a fun read aloud in the library because it talks about how a library works, and the rules of the library, as well as the joy of finding books on all sorts of topics. The author also does a good job of capturing a young child's obsession with a specific book and reluctance to try something new. But, her older brother Charlie is patient and helps her find a new topic to read.

The pictures are mixed media collage. They combine real pictures with layers of textured paper. The main characters are simple drawings that stand out against the mixed backdrop.

The author is British and uses the word "cheeky" which could provide a fun vocabulary lesson.
Profile Image for Katt Hansen.
3,842 reviews107 followers
April 23, 2023
I know exactly how Lola feels in this book about wanting a certain book from the library because it's a favorite, and then not finding it. As a kid I had certain books I loved to read over and over. It's hard to understand the books there belong to everyone, especially when you're a child. How her brother tries to help her find another book is sweet and endearing, especially when he finds her next new favorite book. It makes for a nice reminder that we never know what amazing new story we're going to discover next when we open a book.
12 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2014
This is a fantastic book! As an adult I myself quite enjoyed it. The book is about Lola and her brother Charlie going to the library. Lola is on a mission to find her most favourite book ever 'beetles bugs and butterflies' however another girl in the library has decided to read the book. Charlie aims at helping Lola find a different book to read by finding out what kind of book she may really like. In the end Charlie finds her a book about Monkeys and Chimps and Lola says she will give it a read. Lola ends up really enjoying the book and decides that this particular book is in fact the best book ever.

I love how the text in the book is presented in wavy lines, inside images and in different fonts. The imagery is really fun and imaginative for e.g Charlie mentions a book about helicopters and the image beside the text has Lola and Charlie in a helicopter. I also really likes how the text was written as though a child was in fact talking which I think makes it very relatable and real to the children. It touches on some important values such as being respectful and quite in the library. This would then allow the teacher to maybe mention to the children just how important it is to be quite in the library and ask them why they think Charlie may be telling this to Lola. Overall I think there is lots of scope to make this a really engaging book to be read to the children. I would use this book for year 1 and 2 children.
12 reviews
September 1, 2011
Lauren Child’s ‘But excuse me that is my book’ is part of the popular children’s TV series ‘Charlie and Lola.’ It follows the life of big brother Charlie and his little sister Lola. In this particular book, Charlie and Lola go to the library to take out Lola’s favourite story ‘Bugs, Beetles and Butterflies’, but she is disappointed when another child has already taken it out.

The book is suitable for KS1 children as it does not contain too much writing and is heavily reliant on the illustrations to make it enjoyable, not only in the form of the pictures, but even in the style of the text, with variation in the size of the writing and different fonts used throughout.

The best thing for me about this book is that Lauren Child really tries to attract her young readers to the exciting world of books, by showing them the amazing variety out there for them to choose from and the unique magical quality each story has, by being able to transport its readers to a different place. She shows that reading is extremely enjoyable for all children as there is something out there for everyone.

This is an endearing read that will hopefully get young children excited about reading (if they’re not already).
Profile Image for Susan Morris.
1,559 reviews19 followers
September 15, 2020
Confession - I used to enjoy watching Charlie & Lola when my son was little. This is a fun book about how many great books there are & encouraging kids not to always check out the same one! (Library)
12 reviews
Read
September 20, 2011


Charlie and Lola- But excuse me that is my book
By Lauren Child

The Charlie and Lola books have taken the world by storm in recent times extending from its Disney channel fame and also previous children’s books written by Lauren Child. The story commences when Lola and Charlie want to go to the library so Lola can take out her favourite book "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies". However the book Lola always gets is not there and here is where the plot goes a little wrong. Lola keeps on going on and on and on about how much she wants to read her favourite book making the storyline somewhat drawn and quite uninteresting. Charlie is left to suggest other books she might enjoy reading instead. She refuses them all showing a sort of unpleasant characteristic in a character. Eventually she sees another girl leaving the library with "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies" she then agrees to read "Cheetahs and Chimpanzees" instead, the book in which Charlie so kindly picked out for her. The majority of the book concentrates on Lola saying "But I really really want Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies". To me the books repetitiveness was tiresome and dull and I feel the books contents might not hold and maintain many children attention. . I noticed that on the cover it says that the story is based on an episode of the TV series, which, I believe, is not written by Lauren Child. So, to all newcomers to the world of Charlie and Lola, I sincerely recommend the older books written by Child herself they are much more engaging and have great plot lines and illustrations. The thing I don’t particularly like about this book is the lack of enthusiasm in presenting interesting and inspiring children’s characters’. The storyline is awfully uneventful and I feel the language used is not as inspiring as previous books written by Child herself.
Profile Image for Chlöe.
11 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2013
I found this Charlie and Lola book on my little cousin's book shelf. Upon asking my 10 year old cousin and her best friend as to why this book was good they both responded that it was interesting and good for younger children. Whilst I agree with them, I feel that you can get so much more use out of this great read!

Lola is excited to go to the library and get her favourite book, "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies". However, when Charlie and Lola arrive at the library the book is nowhere to be found. Charlie tries his hardest to convince Lola to look for other books but Lola cannot understand how and why someone has taken HER book. It is up to Charlie to console his sister and at the same time open up her eyes to all the amazing books that can be found in a library.

"But, excuse me, that is my book" would be an excellent book to introduce to EYFS/KS1 children: possibly as a story to read as a class before going on a trip to the local library. Further still it could be used to open up a discussion about children's favourite books and stories that they love to read independently or with a parent/family member. The book would aide the teacher in encouraging children to try new books. I loved this book and will definitely be taking it with me on School Based Training.
Profile Image for Michele.
392 reviews24 followers
September 14, 2011
This is a great book to read to kindergartners at the beginning of a school year. This book is all about sharing library books and understanding that there are many options for choosing a book!

Many of my kindergarteners are still crying when they do not get the book they want because someone else got it first. This book helps them understand the library as a place where share and take turns.

The characters of this book are featured in a popular kids' television show, which I have never seen. Regardless of their tv incarnation, the voice of the characters in the book are perfect. Lola whines appropriately and is excitable in all the right places.

There are a few British-isms which I occasionally change while reading aloud depending on the day; for example the word "cheeky" isn't common in my part of the country, but overall an excellent and fun introduction to the library.
Profile Image for Heidi-Marie.
3,855 reviews88 followers
December 30, 2011
These pictures and the format of the book always seem like they'll be a turn-off tome. But I can't help liking both. And liking Charlie and Lola. Lola is very much like many children I come across, and it's funny to see her come around. And nice to see how patient and helpful Charlie is trying to be. I especially love that he's conducting a Reference Interview with a very certain (aka stubborn) person. Been there and done that--lots!!
Profile Image for Joelle.
388 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2016
I love books about books and libraries! So often children visit the library and read the same beloved book over and over again. Lola's plight--feeling like a book belongs to her because she loves it!-- will be familiar to many readers. Ultimately her decision to read a new book will empower young readers to follow suit. The book also touches in library etiquette in a funny and approachable way. A great read!
Profile Image for أروى.
Author 32 books767 followers
February 10, 2008
لولا...فتاتي التي لم ألدها..

لكم أحب هذه الطفلة الثرثارة..

في أوقات ضغط العمل أضع أحد سيديهات لولا آند تشارلي وأستمتع بإسترخاء يأخذني إلى عالم بريء جداً
Profile Image for AMY.
2,759 reviews
November 17, 2017
Great story about saving for later. I love how sweet Charlie is, taking care and being a great example to his little sister. I loved the illustrations and cool collages. Highly recommended Gr. 1-3.
Profile Image for Calista.
5,419 reviews31.3k followers
October 8, 2024
Lola really loves her library book. She checks it out over and over. She thinks the animals are funny and cute. It's time to go to the library again and she wants to check it out once again. Funny thing is the book isn't there. Lola gets sad and all she wants is her book. Charlie tries to help her find another book since it is the library. He goes through all the different things one can read. Finally Lola gives a monkey book a try and now this is the best book in the world.

Isn't that kids. They have their mind set on something and that's what they want. I guess we partially grow out of that and some things we sort of stay that way. It can be hard to change and do things out of our routine. I've gotten where Wednesday night is french fry night. It's all I want for dinner.

Oh, the artwork is not for me. I really don't appreciate it. The library in the background was sort of cool, but the messy artwork - no.
Profile Image for Rose Rosetree.
Author 15 books462 followers
August 9, 2023
Here's another book starring Charlie and his little sister Lola. Once again (which I write here because I'm now reading my second book in this series)...

Once again, this picture book can lay a foundation for better living. This time the context is learning how to share library books. Also, how to adjust from the "Mine" mentality to choosing outside one's box.

The ending is absolutely terrific. Also, I'm a big fan of the TONE in this book, from start to end. If I were two years old, and somebody had to start teaching me how to grow up as a reasonably nice person... all of us Goodreaders know how difficult those early lessons can be.

Well, I would love my teacher to have the kind, clear voice that pervades this magnificent book.

FIVE STARS and thanks, Lauren Child, for the text and illustrations.

Profile Image for Mom_reading_childrens_books.
53 reviews
July 28, 2025
Story (if you care about spoilers for children's books, skip to next section)
Lola loves the book Beetles, Bugs, and Butterflies. She takes it out of the library every time they visit because she has decided it's the best book in the world. But disaster strikes when she and her brother Charlie get to the library and someone else has checked out the book. Charlie endeavours to prove to Lola that she can love other books, and, in the end, Lola enthusiastically declares another book to be the best in the world.

Illustrations
Lauren Child's charming doodle-like pictures

Fun factor
Every Charlie and Lola book is fun. Next question.

Is it supposed to teach children something?
I'd say it teaches them that while their favourite things are great, it's worth also exploring new things that they might like
Profile Image for Cheryl.
12.6k reviews479 followers
February 15, 2020
If there really were a pop-up book about cherry blossom rain it would be one I'd want to check out over and over again (or save my allowance and buy). And if someone else in the library room were looking at it, I would try to talk to that person, as obviously they have good taste.

But Charlie is smarter than either me or Lola. There's always another choice to read, another candidate for 'best book ever.'

This is one of the full-length books by Child herself, and it shows. Longer, with a lot more going on in the illustrations, than in the mini-but-still-worthy 'based on characters' books.
Profile Image for Stefanie Burns.
792 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2017
This would be a fun book to read aloud! Lola gets excited, upset, almost frantic and I can just imagine reading the story aloud in her voice. If the students aren't familiar with the Charlie and Lola books, it would be best to introduce them first. The illustrations are in the style of the other books in this "series." I especially like the page when they first start looking for the book on the shelves. It is a images of real books on top of the artwork.

Not an essential read aloud for library class, but a fun one, especially if kids are stuck on one author or one book.
Profile Image for Arminzerella.
3,746 reviews91 followers
April 25, 2018
Charlie and Lola go to the library and Lola is dead set on checking out her FAVORITE book - "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies." But when they get there, they can't find it on the shelves. Charlie tries to talk Lola into trying some other books, but she's very particular. Then she sees another library patron with HER book and there's almost a SITUATION. Charlie talks her down and Lola finally takes one of his suggestions, "Cheetahs and Chimpanzees," and discovers that "This book is probably the most best book in the whole wide world..." Lola. So flexible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
11 reviews
March 6, 2019
Cute story about having a hard time moving on from a book you really loved! I do this a lot, I'll read a book that I really like and then have a hard time picking up another one. You just want to stay lost in that story, with those characters! But you never know, maybe the next book you read could be better... This is a great book for introducing libraries and books to kids. The little girl just wants her favorite book, but someone else has already checked it out. Her brother tries to help her find another book she'll love, but she just isn't having it. He finally finds one that she'll try...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
20 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2019
My daughter and I enjoy the Charlie & Lola books very much and this is one of the best ones.
It's very funny to read out loud as Charlie tries to convince Lola to pick a different book from the library - but all Lola wants to read is her favourite "Beetles, Bugs & Butterflies". Their dialogue and Lola's descriptions of why she loves the book so much are very entertaining.
The drawing style is original but a bit of an acquired taste - a collage of real pictures, simple drawings and other stuff - but you get used to it and children seem to enjoy it.
Profile Image for The Book Squirrel.
1,622 reviews15 followers
September 25, 2025
This is one of my favourite Charlie and Lola's. They go to the library and Lola is looking for her favourite book. She describes it in detail to Charlie who logically says that someone else might borrow it. Lola is horrified! Charlie tries to interest her in other books similar to her favourite, but Lola is insistent (as she is). She's aghast when she sees someone else with her book, but Charlie convinces her to try another and he's right - she loves it just as much.

Gorgeous story about libraries and books!
Profile Image for Nicola.
3,625 reviews
June 28, 2017
Miss 2 LOVES Charlie & Lola so this is another book read from the list. We try to order different ones from the library.

Lola's favorite book is called "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies". She is really upset when they go to the library and she can't get the BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD and is angry that someone else is reading it. Cue Charlie explaining the concept of the library (and borrowed books), suggesting other books, and finally finding one which Lola likes even better.
55 reviews
October 16, 2017
In "Charlie and Lola," Charlie makes Lola recycle her toys and not throw them away. Lola finds a recycling competition, and if she can recycle 100 plastic, metal she can have her own live tree to plant in the yard. She only has a limited time to complete this task, and her friends help out. This teaches young children that recycling is a very good thing, and you want to try to recycle every chance you get.
Profile Image for St Michael's Primary Oxford.
26 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2019
We all have our favourite books and for Lola, it's 'Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies'. She struggles to understand when Charlie tells her that other people are allowed to borrow 'her' library book and becomes extremely annoyed. Charlie, ever patient, encourages her to think about what it is that she likes about the book so they can find an alternative. A funny book about considering what you like in books and the benefits of broadening your horizons!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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