What people are saying. . .
The 'Lulu' series is perfect for capturing children's early experiences, and this book is no exception. Lulu’s Nana Visits by Anna McQuinn |
Once again, McQuinn writes a beautiful story that any family can enjoy. Alongside Beardshaw’s warm illustrations, this edition celebrates multigenerational relationships and portrays the love between a grandmother, mother, and granddaughter. McQuinn also promotes diverse family structures by depicting how some families live far apart but maintain special bonds. OMG could this series get any cuter? Discover family bonding, cultural & emotional connections, tradition & heritage, & positive role models in a new, heartwarming Lulu story. Anna McQuinn and Ros Beardshaw gently inspire & encourage young readers & families to bond, create & celebrate. – Mathew Tobin |
Nanny visits from Tanzania with her suitcase of goodies.
Anna McQuinn’s carefully considered rich text; Rosalind Beardshaw's clever, layered images...
I love the use of meaningful kanga bunting too. Celebrating maternal bonds; sharing of cultural traditions. Truly stunning! – Fabia at Candid Cocoa
Read more about kanga here
Longer reviews...
I am very fond of this little girl and have followed her quiet adventures for several years (see here and here). As I am also a doting Nana to three young grandchildren and a collector of picture books on the theme of grandparents, I settled down to relish the story.Not all families have the luxury of a spare bedroom for visitors but generous Lulu is more than happy to give up her own bed. As we see her and Mummy prepare to welcome Nana-Bibi to her holiday home we can sense the build-up of excitement. This includes the novelty of sleeping on a blow-up bed prepared with Daddy in ‘a snug spot in the corner’.
She arrives after a long flight looking rather glamorous despite being tired! While she takes a nap, Lulu stays fully involved in preparing her favourite food. After dinner, she and the rest of the family delight in opening some presents brought from a far-away place. I love the tender moment on the double page spread that shows her sleeping on Mummy’s lap as the woman leans in to touch her forehead to that of her own mother on the sofa.
The all-too-short visit is packed with happy family visits to the café and the shops, cooking traditional treats, hair plaiting and dancing together at home.
As ever, both the author and illustrator pay close attention to the special moments that define the important relationship between Lulu and her Nana- Bibi. Towards the end of the story, she looks up adoringly as she hears about how long ago, she too used to love spending time working in the garden with her own grandmother:
‘Lulu falls asleep and dreams of
Hairdos and doughnuts,
Digging and dancing.’
I look forward to sharing this inclusive picture book that shows ordinary moments in one family that will hopefully inspire lots of talk with young children about their own lives. The text is suitably uncluttered throughout and slowly turning the pages allows the reader to look more closely at the detail in the illustrations and to anticipate what might happen next. There are also the necessary gaps in the story for the reader to fill which makes it a very satisfying experience. What is Lulu talking about as she helps Mummy to make the bed? Can we find out which country that Nana-Bibi has travelled from (the front and end papers illustrate her plane flying from Tanzania, but the country is not explicitly named in the story). Do you have family members who live in another country? What is the special welcome dinner and what would you choose for a visitor coming to stay with you at your house?
I strongly recommend the eighth charming book in the Lulu series published by Alanna Max which should now be available from your local independent bookshop – who will be glad to order it for you if they don’t have copies on the shelf.
– Karen Argent. The Letterpress project, September 2023
She arrives after a long flight looking rather glamorous despite being tired! While she takes a nap, Lulu stays fully involved in preparing her favourite food. After dinner, she and the rest of the family delight in opening some presents brought from a far-away place. I love the tender moment on the double page spread that shows her sleeping on Mummy’s lap as the woman leans in to touch her forehead to that of her own mother on the sofa.
The all-too-short visit is packed with happy family visits to the café and the shops, cooking traditional treats, hair plaiting and dancing together at home.
As ever, both the author and illustrator pay close attention to the special moments that define the important relationship between Lulu and her Nana- Bibi. Towards the end of the story, she looks up adoringly as she hears about how long ago, she too used to love spending time working in the garden with her own grandmother:
‘Lulu falls asleep and dreams of
Hairdos and doughnuts,
Digging and dancing.’
I look forward to sharing this inclusive picture book that shows ordinary moments in one family that will hopefully inspire lots of talk with young children about their own lives. The text is suitably uncluttered throughout and slowly turning the pages allows the reader to look more closely at the detail in the illustrations and to anticipate what might happen next. There are also the necessary gaps in the story for the reader to fill which makes it a very satisfying experience. What is Lulu talking about as she helps Mummy to make the bed? Can we find out which country that Nana-Bibi has travelled from (the front and end papers illustrate her plane flying from Tanzania, but the country is not explicitly named in the story). Do you have family members who live in another country? What is the special welcome dinner and what would you choose for a visitor coming to stay with you at your house?
I strongly recommend the eighth charming book in the Lulu series published by Alanna Max which should now be available from your local independent bookshop – who will be glad to order it for you if they don’t have copies on the shelf.
– Karen Argent. The Letterpress project, September 2023
What a beautiful book about our parents and grandparents, and the importance of these relationships. This book has so many positives that it's hard to do them all justice!
Lola's Nana-Bibi comes for a visit and spends some time with her daughter and granddaughter, Lola. While she's visiting, Lola sleeps on a pull out bed.
Now, I don't know why, but I even find this small detail significant because not every household has a spare room - and I do believe that storybooks can sometimes romanticise real life in an unhealthy way that not every child can relate to.
Then, the family go out and have breakfast, before getting some gifts for Nana-Bibi's friends at home. Then they do wholesome (and free) activities together at home like braiding each other's hair and cooking a family recipe and dancing.
It's just a lovely book that represents a family who love and respect each other and enjoy quality time together. It also shows children how important our grandparents are, and how we should spend time with them when we can.
– Sabina on Goodreads
Lulu’s Nana Visits by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw (Alanna Max) is a perfect book to encourage very young children to discover the joy of sharing books and stories. A carefully structured story highlighting the importance of traditions and cultural identity and bursting with joy and enthusiasm for family connections and loving relationships, this is an absolute delight. Text and illustrations work together beautifully in this latest book in the Lulu series and, as we have come to expect from this partnership, encourage chat and involvement between child and parent or teacher as they share the story.
There is plenty here that little people will recognise and engage with and the vibrant pictures reinforce the message of family bonding and loving inter-generational relationships even when members live far apart. The family spends the week doing different activities like shopping for presents for family back in Tanzania, having dance parties, and learning how to make Nana’s special mandazi doughnuts.
There are so many little thoughtful touches included and the range of activities that the family participate in explore traditions and cultural background enabling children to either recognise their own lives or learn about other children’s. The emphasis on sharing is simply lovely and this is such a comforting book for little people and for their adults too. Full of joy, love and family togetherness this is a must buy for early years settings and libraries for children aged 3+. - Anne Thompson, A Library Lady
Lola's Nana-Bibi comes for a visit and spends some time with her daughter and granddaughter, Lola. While she's visiting, Lola sleeps on a pull out bed.
Now, I don't know why, but I even find this small detail significant because not every household has a spare room - and I do believe that storybooks can sometimes romanticise real life in an unhealthy way that not every child can relate to.
Then, the family go out and have breakfast, before getting some gifts for Nana-Bibi's friends at home. Then they do wholesome (and free) activities together at home like braiding each other's hair and cooking a family recipe and dancing.
It's just a lovely book that represents a family who love and respect each other and enjoy quality time together. It also shows children how important our grandparents are, and how we should spend time with them when we can.
– Sabina on Goodreads
Lulu’s Nana Visits by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw (Alanna Max) is a perfect book to encourage very young children to discover the joy of sharing books and stories. A carefully structured story highlighting the importance of traditions and cultural identity and bursting with joy and enthusiasm for family connections and loving relationships, this is an absolute delight. Text and illustrations work together beautifully in this latest book in the Lulu series and, as we have come to expect from this partnership, encourage chat and involvement between child and parent or teacher as they share the story.
There is plenty here that little people will recognise and engage with and the vibrant pictures reinforce the message of family bonding and loving inter-generational relationships even when members live far apart. The family spends the week doing different activities like shopping for presents for family back in Tanzania, having dance parties, and learning how to make Nana’s special mandazi doughnuts.
There are so many little thoughtful touches included and the range of activities that the family participate in explore traditions and cultural background enabling children to either recognise their own lives or learn about other children’s. The emphasis on sharing is simply lovely and this is such a comforting book for little people and for their adults too. Full of joy, love and family togetherness this is a must buy for early years settings and libraries for children aged 3+. - Anne Thompson, A Library Lady
Reviews from Goodreads, Amazon and Netgalley
This book, part of the Lola series of picture books is an excellent book. The story and words are simple, perfect for young children and new readers alike. The illustrations are gorgeous and really do the work of telling the story and you really feel the warmth and importance of family and family visits through them.
Definitely recommend this book be included in any home, school or public children’s book collection/library.
- Karen C, Educator on Netgalley
Gahhh! This is yet another darling addition to the Lola series and I love the illustrations! Rosalind Beardshaw is SO talented! I love all the traditional dress and head wraps Nana Bibi wears! – Kelly H. on Netgalley
This is a gorgeous story about a family who’s Nana-Bibi comes to stay! Sweet interactions between the family members, lovely displays of culture being share and fun moments together. Loved the illustrations. Gentle, sweet, highlights importance of family. Loved it. - Katey B, Bookseller on Netgalley
Lola will continue to delight the preschool crowd...
Small details are described in simple language: "Nana-Bibi and Mommy talk and talk. They have so much to say."
Definitely a young child's observation. With simple text and colorful pictures, this will be a storytime hit.
- Libby B. Librarian on Netgalley
I have read several of the Lola books by Anna McQuinn to my grandchildren and they enjoy them... We really enjoyed this multi-cultural, multi-generational story.
We talked about things they do with me as well as their nonna.
The illustrations are wonderfully expressive, showing those emotions they are feeling.
I think it is important that children read books about families that might be different from their own, but where the relationships are important and loving.
– Carla Loves to Read - retired elementary school principal/teacher/teacher-librarian
Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit is the latest addition to the Lola Reads series. Written by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, this is a delightful picture book that every early reader will enjoy.
The big-sized fonts, easy-to-understand vocabulary, brief text on each page, and number of pages make this book perfect for early readers. Beardshaw’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the story. They are pleasing and appealing and highlight the culture and setting in a fitting manner.
The book’s beauty lies in its simplicity. There is nothing complex or difficult to understand here. McQuinn knows what her young readers want and has adapted the story to their preferences. This is an excellent resource to spread the message of love and teach cultural diversity.
Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit is a story infused with love, warmth, simplicity, and the beauty of familial ties. It would be a lovely read-out-aloud book, and even pre-schoolers and toddlers would enjoy this story.
–Wordsopedia Rating 5/5 – Wordsopedia - Chandra Sundeep
Lola and her family embody relationships I hope to see in my own house, and this is an excellent “grandparent’ story. I especially liked the line “Lola has Mommy, and Mommy has Nana-Bibi” because it’s elegant in its simplicity and representation of the circle of life. I like that Lola is Black and her family is shown doing things representative of their culture, like Nana-Bidi braiding Mommy’s hair and Mommy braiding Lola’s hair (and Lola braiding her baby doll’s hair!)
Beardshaw’s acrylic illustrations are warm, accessible, and diverse. The pictures make a beautiful complement to the text and give excellent representation to Lola and her family. I’m a big fan of stories featuring BIPOC characters and recommend this book for any preschool and elementary library. It would also likely be well received by children who have a close relationship with a grandmother or older female relative. - Educator 987289 on NetGalley
Definitely recommend this book be included in any home, school or public children’s book collection/library.
- Karen C, Educator on Netgalley
Gahhh! This is yet another darling addition to the Lola series and I love the illustrations! Rosalind Beardshaw is SO talented! I love all the traditional dress and head wraps Nana Bibi wears! – Kelly H. on Netgalley
This is a gorgeous story about a family who’s Nana-Bibi comes to stay! Sweet interactions between the family members, lovely displays of culture being share and fun moments together. Loved the illustrations. Gentle, sweet, highlights importance of family. Loved it. - Katey B, Bookseller on Netgalley
Lola will continue to delight the preschool crowd...
Small details are described in simple language: "Nana-Bibi and Mommy talk and talk. They have so much to say."
Definitely a young child's observation. With simple text and colorful pictures, this will be a storytime hit.
- Libby B. Librarian on Netgalley
I have read several of the Lola books by Anna McQuinn to my grandchildren and they enjoy them... We really enjoyed this multi-cultural, multi-generational story.
We talked about things they do with me as well as their nonna.
The illustrations are wonderfully expressive, showing those emotions they are feeling.
I think it is important that children read books about families that might be different from their own, but where the relationships are important and loving.
– Carla Loves to Read - retired elementary school principal/teacher/teacher-librarian
Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit is the latest addition to the Lola Reads series. Written by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, this is a delightful picture book that every early reader will enjoy.
The big-sized fonts, easy-to-understand vocabulary, brief text on each page, and number of pages make this book perfect for early readers. Beardshaw’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the story. They are pleasing and appealing and highlight the culture and setting in a fitting manner.
The book’s beauty lies in its simplicity. There is nothing complex or difficult to understand here. McQuinn knows what her young readers want and has adapted the story to their preferences. This is an excellent resource to spread the message of love and teach cultural diversity.
Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit is a story infused with love, warmth, simplicity, and the beauty of familial ties. It would be a lovely read-out-aloud book, and even pre-schoolers and toddlers would enjoy this story.
–Wordsopedia Rating 5/5 – Wordsopedia - Chandra Sundeep
Lola and her family embody relationships I hope to see in my own house, and this is an excellent “grandparent’ story. I especially liked the line “Lola has Mommy, and Mommy has Nana-Bibi” because it’s elegant in its simplicity and representation of the circle of life. I like that Lola is Black and her family is shown doing things representative of their culture, like Nana-Bidi braiding Mommy’s hair and Mommy braiding Lola’s hair (and Lola braiding her baby doll’s hair!)
Beardshaw’s acrylic illustrations are warm, accessible, and diverse. The pictures make a beautiful complement to the text and give excellent representation to Lola and her family. I’m a big fan of stories featuring BIPOC characters and recommend this book for any preschool and elementary library. It would also likely be well received by children who have a close relationship with a grandmother or older female relative. - Educator 987289 on NetGalley