What people are saying. . .
Each exquisitely crafted page gently reassures early readers about this exciting step on the road to independence... perfect for pre-schoolers Perfect for any child spending the night with a friend for the first time or any time thereafter. Families of color and those with two-aunt couples may particularly appreciate the representation in it, but Lola’s charm should appeal to all. – Mombian Captures the world of small children and the little details that matter most to them. A first sleepover becomes a life experience that is both joyful and positive. |
... Like other books in the Lola series, this outing keeps readers engaged with delightful illustrations and simple, straightforward narration perfect for introducing young ones to new experiences. Realistic natural hairstyles are a lovely visual detail, and Lola’s two aunties are an accepted part of her world. All characters are depicted as Black. Lola’s fans will be pleased to add this volume to their collections and see how Lola’s first sleepover goes. Caregivers can use it to talk about what to expect at a first sleepover. A sweet, family-based story of Lola’s expanding world. (Picture book. 2-6) 
The Lola books are wonderful for kids of all ages and this one is a perfect addition to any collection!" Sleepovers can be a challenge, but not to worry, Lulu's here to guide us. It's easy to see why everyone loves spending time with Lulu and how she is fast becoming a reassuring rol model for a new generation of your readers. – Mathew Tobin, |
Are sleepovers an early opportunity for young children to see things through someone else's eyes; to share the experience of living in another household; to think about what it’s like to be a child living in different circumstances... and therefore to imagine what it might be like to instead live this child’s life as part of this household? I've written a new blog. It's also on the Articles page.
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Children's Books Ireland - Elaina Ryan
Perfectly pitched text and vibrant illustrations, bookended by very sweet endpapers featuring pyjamas, make this the perfect read for those heading off on their first sleepover! (age 2+) Kirkus Reviews Like other books in the Lola series, this outing keeps readers engaged with delightful illustrations and simple, straightforward narration perfect for introducing young ones to new experiences. Realistic natural hairstyles are a lovely visual detail, and Lola’s two aunties are an accepted part of her world. All characters are depicted as Black. Lola’s fans will be pleased to add this volume to their collections and see how Lola’s first sleepover goes. Caregivers can use it to talk about what to expect at a first sleepover. A sweet, family-based story of Lola’s expanding world. (Picture book. 2-6) |
Candid Cocoa blogspot
Oozing homely cosiness, each exquisitely crafted page gently reassures early readers about this exciting step on the road to independence... perfect for pre-schoolers, reminding them new adventures can be fun. Without doubt, one of my favourite picture books of the year! LoveReading4Kids - book site Sleepovers are an important rite of passage for young children who will be reassured by this gentle story and will love watching the little cousins play together. Mary Roche Author of Developing Children's Critical Thinking Through Picturebooks What child doesn't love a sleepover with their best friend? This gentle, sweet, includive story is like a warm hug. |
We like to include Goodreads and Amazon reviews as these are people who've not been sent review copies and just post for the love of the books!
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Lola has a place in our family's heart (for good reason) and the newest addition to the Lola series, LOLA SLEEPS OVER, is just as amazing as the rest of the books in the Lola series.
From the gorgeous and inviting illustrations, to the gentle storytelling (and ode to books + reading), and the expanded family bonds, I hope Lola and her family have a permanent spot in our family's heart and belong in all libraries and homes. – Lis on Goodreads I love this sweet addition to the Lola line of stories, one of our favorites in my preschool. The story is about family, but also prepares young children for sleeping over with a grandparent, aunt, or cousin, which may be a new experience. The illustrations, as always, are wonderful, with excellent use of white space to draw attention to the characters and actions of the stories. Lola's cousin's personality comes alive as she dances and moves across the pages. – Audra on Goodreads |
I loved Rosalind Beardshaw's illustrations. They were absolutely stunning and vibrant! Anna McQuinn's story was funny, fun, lighthearted, and accurate. I loved how they both put such care in sharing through words and illustrations two gentle, fun, and caring families. It always makes me happy when I see dads represented in children's books, especially when involved!
First of all – I was Lola, and I still am! I can't pack light to save my life. She is a girl after my own heart – it never hurts to be prepared, right? I am well into my adult years but still love a sleepover; there is something very comforting about sleeping in your best friend's house. It never gets old, and it was such a privilege to relive some of my childhood memories by watching Lola's adventure. She really is relatable! – Paulina M on Goodreads Iconic imagery by Rosalind Beardshaw immediately places fans of the Lola series in this newest installment. Soft lines, cheerful colors, and detailed illustrations adorn each page in this book. Like the others in this series, the endpapers themselves set the tone of the story by featuring Lola’s kitty cat pajamas against a rich, purple background. Some of the illustrations include a detailed backdrop while others focus more on the characters themselves, but in nearly every instance, more is happening in the image than is described by the text, encouraging discussion outside of the narrative. Anna McQuinn’s familiar writing style is a comforting element of this story. Short sentences and descriptions guide readers through Lola and Hani’s adventures and are delightfully accessible to a range of readers. Impressively, Lola experiences no trepidation or homesickness during her first overnight away from her parents, and the text enhances all the fun and memorable moments of Lola’s first sleepover. Dynamic and loving visuals provide readers of all ages with a compelling tableau as the story unfolds. The girls are depicted with smiles on their faces, and themes of love and sharing are palpable on each page, especially as the girls change outfits in nearly every scene. Fans of the Lola series will love this new addition as they prepare for their own sleepovers away from home. It is a cheerful addition to libraries for preschool and young elementary school-aged readers. – Mary on Goodreads |
Longer and more indepth Reviews
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Library Lady - full review
The Lulu series of books captures the world of small children and the little details that matter most to them. In this latest title Lulu experiences a rite of passage that may trouble little ones initially but in the hands of Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw it becomes a life experience that is both joyful and positive. This is a gorgeous, perfect picture book for young children. Lulu’s Sleepover is tender, full of warmth and family love. This lovely picture book will reassure young children with its positive and kindly tone. The emphasis throughout the story is on sharing, exploring and trying new things together in a safe and loving environment. Both the text and illustrations capture the world of small children and the everyday minutiae that is so important to them and their sense of security. The detail is simply perfect. It is important to linger and look at the pictures and take in slowly what the text is emphasising. When Lulu and Daddy arrive Hani and Auntie Jina are making lemonade and when Daddy says goodbye we can see that already Lulu is clutching a cup of lemonade, already participating in the other family’s life. When the girls go out to play in the garden changed in to their dungarees they have already swapped bracelets which by the next morning has extended to swapping of pyjamas. This emphasis on sharing and swapping is beautifully executed. We join Lulu as she joins in with a family different to her own but one that she enjoys being part of. The story is inclusive in a subtle, natural and supportive manner and celebrates the bond between extended and diverse families. There are many lovely moments such as Lulu’s hand nestled on her Auntie as she watches the TV. The language and the story also encourage imaginative play. When the girls run excitedly into the garden they are playing in a ‘rainforest’, when they are busy with blocks and watering cans they are ‘building’ and experiencing ‘waterfalls’. There are lots of activities and quiet moments incorporated into the story that children will recognise and replicate. The illustrations are full of vibrant patterns and shapes, colours and items to recognise, name and talk about. This is most definitely a book with opportunities for learning. This is a treasure of a picture book for young children and would be perfect for Early Years settings and for families too. I have grown fond of Lulu and her lovely family and can wholeheartedly recommend Lulu’s Sleepover. |
Children's Books Ireland - reviews
The Lulu books always contain references to stories, |