I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

My kids both love Charlie and Lola! I have only recently discovered them, but found this book just before my daughter started kindergarten. This book looks at some of the things that kids will worry about when they start school (especially for the first time, but also as it turns out for starting a new grade!) and helps ease many of those worries in a way that is gentle and humorous. I love how gentle and easy-going Charlie is with his little sister, and how refreshing it is to see a sister and brother pair who genuinely love each other and even when they're frustrated with each other, they manage to work it out. My daughter and her little brother will have richer lives for this series of books. I can't recommend them highly enough!!!

I was looking for a book for my 5yo who was suddenly "nervous" about kindergarten. We looked at several books, read the first page or so, but when she saw this one she couldn't put it down. She recognized Charlie and Lola from TV and she could definitely relate with the imaginary friend, although hers doesn't visit very often any more. This book is fun and imaginative. Clearly this author knows the minds of children.

Lauren Child strikes again with another witty and wonderful read-aloud. In the same way Charlie and his little sister Lola endeared themselves to fans of I WILL NEVER NOT EVER EAT A TOMATO, parents and kids alike will delight in this comical plot. Drama arises when Lola is not convinced she needs to go to school. "I probably do not have time to go to school," she says. "I am too extremely busy doing important things at home." Instead of ridiculing her, big brother Charlie takes the time to tackle her fanciful excuses with his own inventive scenarios. When Lola says she doesn't care to learn to count above ten, Charlie replies, "What if eleven eager elephants all wanted a treat. How would you count up how many treats that would be?" Lola's still not quite sure. She doesn't need to learn to read, she says, because "I've got all my books in my head." Again, Charlie counters with the possibility that she may HAVE to read a bedtime story sometime to an ever-so-angry ogre who won't go away unless she does. Page after page, the textured illustrations and vibrant narrative technique are pure delight. I imagine teachers, parents, and librarians breathe a sigh of relief when Lauren Child's books are chosen for storytime. Each phrase reads like a poem, not a word out of place. Unlike many works where brothers and sisters don't get along, the relationship between Charlie and Lola is precious. I'd recommend this book to anyone needing to help a child overcome apprehension of visiting someplace new: the dentist, church, relative's house, etc. Having a little friend like Soren Lorenson to tag along is a gentle way to dissuade those imaginary fears of childhood.

Charlie & Lola first starred in "I will not ever never eat a tomato" which was a hysterically funny book we loved. In this new adventure, Lola's parents feel she is ready to go to school - Lola herself is not so sure (ergo, the title), and with funny turns of phrases has us all laughing while Charlie patiently coaxes her into going. With lots of bold & bright colours on every page, and using the collage technique, this book is another winner. Lola is delightful, and Charlie the perfect elder brother, he finds her most amusing and is keeping a sharp eye out for her when she does go to school. Thank god some kids interact like this! I also feel this book is encouragement to children to relate in a more positive fashion. The text is always dynamic on the page - from twisting & dancing across the page to curling around the telephone (which Lola likes because it's "more friendly & straightaway")something we all must feel in this age of email & immediacy. One of the funniest moments is when Lola is convinced to go to school, relieved she doesn't need to wear uniform & decides Alligator gear is the perfect outfit to don! Charming & funny, it's a great book to own. kotori 2004 - [email protected]

This is one of the best childrens books I have read in ages! The illustrations are amazingly inventive and the dialog between the brother and sister is really witty and memorable. I read this to my 3 year old son and he wanted to read it over and over. This is definitely a must have for the house!