Lola Dutch is a Little Bit Much

Lola Dutch by Kenneth Wright
Illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright
Published by Bloomsbury
Date: 1 February 2018
R.R.P. $24.99 

Sometimes there is just something extraordinary about picture books, they look like any other book but there are elements that make it unique. Lola Dutch is that for me, in its simplicity there is beauty and the hidden treasure in the dust jacket adds flair that can only come from the creative mind.

Lola Dutch is a creative soul who BURSTS through her AMAZING day alongside gator, pig, and crane, with bear bracing himself saying “Lola Dutch, you are a little bit much.” With smiles on faces messes are made, a feast is had and adventure in a library takes them on a wild adventure.  Lola’s BURSTS of creativity seem to know no end, even when it comes to bedtime…

The illustrations in this book are something special, a whimsical and playful adventure that is not only depicted in words but also through the artistic elements of the book.  Bear and Lola Dutch have a beautiful relationship that has been characterised through illustration; pictures of bear guiding Lola, gentle touching her hand, pushing her book trolley and cleaning up her creative messes.

The added creativity of the book that takes it from fantastic to extraordinary is that the dust jacket doubles as a dollhouse and has a Lola Dutch and Bear character that can be cut out to play in the dollhouse. This addition to the book has so much potential as an extension of the literacy experience.  There is something special about your child being able to have the story read to them, then be able to act it out with the props.

For anyone that takes group storytime sessions, this book will work well with a group of 3-5 year olds or an older toddler group.  The repetitive nature of bear saying “Lola Dutch, you are a little bit.” in various ways will have the group joining in with the story in no time.

Lola Dutch has a website with wonderful resources including more puppets to add to the dollhouse, a book hunt challenge and colouring pages; additionally links to purchase locations from around the world.

There is so much to love about this book and I think it will be a wonderful addition to anyone’s picture book collection.

Thank you Bloomsbury Children’s Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.