Lola Dutch: When I Grow Up

Lola Dutch: When I Grow Up by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright
Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Date: 4 February 2019
R.R.P. $24.99

When I first met Lola Dutch in her first book, I knew she could do anything that she put her mind to.  She is imaginative, strong and BURSTS through life.  She never does things by halves, she is a wonderfully creative soul who is always coming up with ideas.

This time Lola’s mission is to discover what she wants to be when she grows up. The problem is Lola wants to be everything – a performer, a botanist, an inventor and even possibly an astronaut.  There are so many exciting things to be that it is just too difficult to decide, that it eventually all becomes too much.

We again have bear giving his wisdom in a kind a gentle way, reassuring Lola that it is ok just to be a kid that gets to learn about anything and everything.  Her friends gator, pig and crane are also alongside her as she imagines everything she wishes to be.

I like Lola Dutch books because they encourage children to imagine, to be adventurous and make discoveries about the people they are.  I always appreciate the reasoning voice of bear and how he understands Lola’s energy and need to try everything.

Like the first book, the watercolour illustrations fit with the flow of the book and adds a gentleness to the fast pace.  It was great to also see the dust jacket being used as prop again, this time a stage for Lola and pig to dance on.  I imagine there will be a whole collection of these as each new book comes out.

When you grow up, you can be anything you want just like Lola Dutch. Remember, don’t let it get all too much, keep being a kid learning about everything.  Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright have again brought to us a delightfully, entertaining and whimsical book where Lola Dutch takes us on a bustling ride of imagination.

If you love Lola Dutch, sign up for her newsletter and explore the website which has lots of lovely free resources.

If you buy a copy of Lola Dutch: When I Grow Up and have proof of Purchase you can gain access to a downloadable “Curiosity Kit”.  Check out the Website for more details.

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