Review: Poppy Louise is NOT Afraid of Anything, by Jenna McCarthy and Molly Idle

9780385390866

$16.99

Poppy Louise Littleton thinks vampires are cute and mummies are funny. She’s positive a tarantula would make a perfect pet. All her imaginary friends are monsters. Is there anything that will scare her? Her sister, Petunia, is determined to find out. . . .

Aha! I knew McCarthy's name sounded familiar. A couple years ago I read and reviewed Lola Knows a Lot, which I said reminded me of one or more of my kids. This one follows the same pattern! Shane is definitely my fearless one, but I can also see Logan clamoring for a pet tarantula.

Just as with Lola, there are several chuckle-worthy lines that make this a fun read-aloud. I especially liked that, once Petunia does find something Poppy is afraid of, there is no teasing or embarrassment involved - she just helps her little sister out. What a great way to show kids that everyone finds something they fear, and that itself is nothing to be afraid of!

Idles's bright, expressive illustrations are the perfect companion. I LOVED the image of Poppy's solitary arm, thumbs-up, emerging from the bush she had crashed into! A solid purchase for home or library.

Review: Lola Knows a Lot by Jenna McCarthy and Sara Palacios

9780062250179

$17.99

Meet Lola! Lola knows a lot. She can cartwheel, she can tie her shoes...she can make her sister crazy. The only thing Lola DOESN’T know...is if she’s really ready to go to school. 

I couldn't quite decide which of my kids Lola reminds me of, but she sure does seem familiar! I think she's an amalgam of the whole gang (and yes, I have been waiting to use that word since I first saw "Parenthood".)

Any time a picture book makes me laugh out loud, it is going on my story time list. This is perfect for kids getting ready to start school, or for any story time where your listeners have siblings! When Lola isn't quite sure she knows enough to start school (thanks to big sister making her nervous), Mom suggests she makes a list of things she does know. Some are practical (she knows how to make lists!) and some are hilarious ("I'm good at driving my sister crazy...I'm not saying you should try it. I'm just saying I happen to be especially good at it.")

In the end, Lola decides that while she doesn't know everything, she knows she is "ready to learn all the things I still don't know," which is an excellent attitude for all of us to have.

Illustrations by Palacios are bright and cheery, and it's worth checking out the kitten's antics and expressions in each scene.