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What people are saying...
Ever-so-gently acknowledges that sense of anxiety that comes from being in an unknown situation whilst celebrating the exciting opportunities that come with attending school. A simple, affirming narrative - Lulu's world is as diverse as it is comforting and kind. - Mat Tobin, Senior Lecturere in Children's Literature, Oxford Brookes This delightful glimpse into Lulu’s first day at school makes for a reassuring companion for young readers, creating opportunities for conversations about this milestone moment, whilst revelling in the excitement and fun of it all. - Farrah Serroukh, CLPE The Lola books are perfectly pitched to a young child's view of the world. Another outstanding book in this series. 
My girl Lola is old enough to go to school! Ahh, they grow up so fast. (I'm not crying, you are.) A wonderful introduction to the first day of school.- Annese on Goodreads |
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Kirkus Reviews
After years of everyday joys with McQuinn and Beardshaw's Lola, readers now watch her start school. It "will be a bit like story time at the library, but Lola will stay by herself." Beardshaw's soft, slightly smudgy illustrations allow young readers to focus on one cozy moment at a time. Even at this milestone, Lola still appears quite tiny, and the text is no more complex than in previous books, making this a seamless transition from Lola's younger days to her new life in school. Both perfect for Lola fans and likely to earn her ever more readers. Katie for CLPE The Centre for Language in Primary Education, London Lulu’s First Day is a beautiful evocation of a milestone for every young child; their first day at pre-school. From the moment I opened thebook and saw on the title page,the incredibly moving illustration of Lulu and her mother hugging goodbye, I was hooked. Children in pre-schools and nurseries will immediately identify with the story, both the emotions depicted but also the way in which the settings they inhabit are so carefully captured. The story is simple and yet sophisticated in the way in which this momentous experience for children, their parents and their teachers is told. A must read for any parent and child about to embark on their ‘first day’! Books for Keeps This delightful, heart-warming picture book follows book lover Lulu on her first day at pre-school. A wonderful book for parents preparing their child for nursery or school, with a couple of nods to the emotional journey parents are going through too. It’s an early start but Lulu is ready, she has packed Dinah her special cuddly cat and chosen her outfit, ‘pink, jumping leggings and her 'sunny, yellow top’ – although she did want to wear her party dress, but Mummy says maybe not. She poses for her ‘first day’ photograph and then they are off. Lulu is greeted by her teacher and shown where to put her things. Mum stays for a little while until Lulu gets acclimatized, when Mummy leaves Dinah gets a quick hug and all is well, especially as it’s snack time! Lulu spends her day making friends, sharing books, building castles, singing songs and dressing up as a super-hero, and, before you know it Mum is there waiting to take Lulu home. It’s been a long and exciting day, but exhausting too, and Lulu is soon fast asleep snuggling up to Mummy on the sofa. Lulu is an engaging and vibrant character and McQuinn manages to imbue a real sense of Lulu’s feisty lovableness in this simple story. Rosalind Beardshaw’s wonderfully bright and colourful illustrations perfectly capture the upbeat mood of the book. The Lulu books are a great series following Lulu through all the major experiences of being a small child: getting a pet, visiting the library, going swimming, as well as other early years’ milestones. This gentle story is a perfect addition to Lulu’s adventures, and I can’t wait for the next instalment. Candid Cocoa - Books for EYFS There’s a huge milestone happening for Lulu: it’s her first day at school! In this tenderly told reassuring story from author Anna McQuinn, we learn about Lulu’s experience of leaving home, for the first time, to go to preschool. It’s clear that McQuinn intuitively knows how young children feel about the transition to preschool as, throughout the story, she perceptively anticipates and addresses children's potential worries in a gentle and extremely positive way. The illustrations are soft and calming with lovely little observational details especially around hair, such as Lulu and Mum’s matching hairbands, Lulu’s daily change of hairstyle, and a lovely mum-and-daughter hair-combing session. It’s great to see a confident, resourceful, self-motivated, imaginative little Black girl shining bright in this early years picture book, which is part of a series from inclusive publisher Alanna Max. The language is simple and clear: perfect for early readers although there is some scope to challenge children who are ahead with higher-level questions: Why is it not a good idea for Lulu to wear her best party dress to preschool? Why do you think Lulu has packed spare clothes in her bag? How is Lulu feeling when mummy says goodbye? How do we know that Lulu feels sad/worried/scared? Parents, carers, and EYFS practitioners will find this book very useful. It’s the perfect text to help young children prepare for and settle into their early years settings, giving them a clear understanding of what to expect, strategies for adjusting to the new routine, and for making friends. |
Darren Chetty
It's a big day for Lulu - and she's put a lot of thought into her preparations. This is a wonderful tale of a momentous day. Beautifully illustrated to convey the subtle drama and warmth of a first day at pre-school. Jill Bennet With all the reassurance that little ones need, Anna McQuinn and Ros. Beardshaw present the pitch perfect book for those who, like Lulu, are about to take those next steps into pre-school. Read it Daddy Our favourite booky girl is back... For many kids, it's quite an anxious time moving from Nursery to Pre-School then eventually to school proper, and this book beautifully captures those moments with a huge huge dose of feelgood reassurance. School is going to be so much fun for our booky little girl! Sum this book up in a sentence: A perfect introduction to school life for kids who love reading about plucky booky girls, and Lulu is definitely one of our favourite characters in early years books. BookTrust Lulu is very excited to be starting preschool – she’s already visited, so she knows what to expect, and she’s also picked out her outfit. When she arrives at the start of the big day itself, Mum stays for a cup of tea while Lulu gets acclimatised. Lulu chooses what she wants to do. Does she want to play with the sand? Paint a picture? In the end, Lulu chooses to read a book with Julie in the special reading tent. It’s such a fun day, even when Mum leaves her in Miss Suzan’s kind and capable care. And at the end of the day, it’s time for a snack when Lulu gets home… And maybe a little nap under her favourite blanket. The Lulu series is a fantastic one which follows a little girl through all the milestones and occupations of the early years: getting a pet, going swimming and going to the library, among many more. This time, starting nursery or school is the focus: the neutral use of “pre-school” means that it could apply to children in either scenario. Lulu’s overall positive experience is a gentle read, and even though there’s a little anxiety when Mum leaves, Lulu has her favourite cuddly toy with her, which gives her comfort. Sue Martin, Dolphin Booksellers Lulu's First Day is just the book to have for the start of life in education and learning. The illustrations are delightful and the text is just right for young children to hear and understand. It also makes a good start in finding words at the early reading stage. Anna McQuinn is the author of Lulu's First Day and other books in the series and has a real talent for knowing which words to choose the important things for all young children. Rosalind Beardshaw has some beautiful images in this book and they are warming and engaging. Beautiful book from Alanna Max publishers, who are a small independent publishers and have a very exciting and appealing portfolio of books for young children. Recommended for ages 2-4 years and for parents of any age!! Booklist Illustrated with colorful, lively artwork, this picture book offers a supportive starting place for conversations about preschool or kindergarten. The simplicity of the story and the universality of the experience combine to make this a reassuring choice for children entering a structured school environment for the first time, whether or not they know Lola from other books in the series, such as Lola Plants a Garden (2014) and Lola Gets a Cat (2017). Publishers Weekly The book-loving young heroine from McQuinn and Beardshaw’s series enters a new chapter... Readers newly navigating this experience will enjoy comparing their own school-day discoveries to Lola’s. Somerset Teachers Book Award We love the Lulu books! They are so reassuring for both little ones and their parents and this is a time when that is much needed... Parents can use Lulu’s experiences at pre-school to reassure children about the routines and activities which they will encounter and talk about playing with others and making friends. The fact that Lulu is tired after her busy day is also comforting.As always, the illustrations are gorgeous. The affection between mother and daughter glows from the pages as the events unfold. Every scene is full of details to enjoy and discuss for children starting a pre-school or a Reception setting. ‘Lulu’s First Day’ is a gentle, comforting read, perfect for sharing with and reassuring little ones. |
Goodreads reviews
I really enjoy and love the Lola series! It was one of the first picture book series that I started to read when I first started working at the library and doing storytime. She's such a charismatic character and this was another great installment to the series. Booksihrealm
Oh, Lola, what a big girl you are now! I loved the gentle rhythm of this, and how it subtly addressed real issues (bringing an extra change of clothes and a stuffy), Mommy stays and then Mommy goes, Mommy is there to pick Lola up, and that Lola is EXHAUSTED at the end of her day. Great book to use to introduce and talk about this concept. Amanda
Picture books about the first day of school are always in high-demand, and they always have an important place in a public children's library. This one felt very joyous and supportive, and I think it filled the role very well. Austin Gullett
Amazon reviews
I think (well I HOPE NOT) that this is the last book in the series. I have been with Lola since my baby was born and she sees a reflection of herself in the books. Now that Lola and my daughter are both heading to school, I got teary-eyed at the end. I hope we get more of Lola and her Adventures. - ATLBride921
My son loves this book! It actually mirrors his life so it is proving to be a huge help when we are talking about starting preschool. We are excited to read more Lola books! - Brig B.
I really recomend this book for children starting in PreK. All Lola's books are adorable. We love Lola!! I think we have the entire collection. - Zenia
This book is so adorable. Not only great for little African-American girls, but for all little girls starting school. I’ve purchased all the “Lola...” books. - Hotnana
Love this Author - Beautifully illustrated and the Story line gets the 3-4 yr. olds interest. Anna McQuinn does it again. Always will recommend this author. - Jose Arguelles
I really enjoy and love the Lola series! It was one of the first picture book series that I started to read when I first started working at the library and doing storytime. She's such a charismatic character and this was another great installment to the series. Booksihrealm
Oh, Lola, what a big girl you are now! I loved the gentle rhythm of this, and how it subtly addressed real issues (bringing an extra change of clothes and a stuffy), Mommy stays and then Mommy goes, Mommy is there to pick Lola up, and that Lola is EXHAUSTED at the end of her day. Great book to use to introduce and talk about this concept. Amanda
Picture books about the first day of school are always in high-demand, and they always have an important place in a public children's library. This one felt very joyous and supportive, and I think it filled the role very well. Austin Gullett
Amazon reviews
I think (well I HOPE NOT) that this is the last book in the series. I have been with Lola since my baby was born and she sees a reflection of herself in the books. Now that Lola and my daughter are both heading to school, I got teary-eyed at the end. I hope we get more of Lola and her Adventures. - ATLBride921
My son loves this book! It actually mirrors his life so it is proving to be a huge help when we are talking about starting preschool. We are excited to read more Lola books! - Brig B.
I really recomend this book for children starting in PreK. All Lola's books are adorable. We love Lola!! I think we have the entire collection. - Zenia
This book is so adorable. Not only great for little African-American girls, but for all little girls starting school. I’ve purchased all the “Lola...” books. - Hotnana
Love this Author - Beautifully illustrated and the Story line gets the 3-4 yr. olds interest. Anna McQuinn does it again. Always will recommend this author. - Jose Arguelles