Official Review: Loulou Brown Loves to Read

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Loulou Brown Loves to Read" by Deborah Bernard.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In Loulou Brown Loves to Read by Deborah Bernard, bibliophiles young and old will relate to the ginger-haired bookworm on a mission to find a peaceful place to read in a house full of several active siblings. Loulou can think of no better way to enjoy a rainy day--if only she could find a quiet spot. Follow Loulou's amusing quest to see how she shares her favorite activity with those she loves.

This delightful picture book features flawless editing and colorful illustrations by Mark Brayer. Young readers will be amused by Loulou's attempts to find the perfect place to curl up with a book as she encounters one sibling after another involved in various projects, such as building, baking, playing dress-up, and banging the drums. Loulou's humorous interactions with her siblings celebrate themes of kindness, individuality, relationships, and problem-solving.

I most like Bernard's creative depiction of Loulou as a problem-solving booklover and caring sibling. Loulou is an active bookworm; she shares her love of reading with her siblings by engaging them in their varying interests. For instance, her younger sister, Lilah, loves to play dress-up. Loulou gives Lilah the library book "Costumes for Kids" but also helps her organize her closet. Similar scenarios are portrayed with Loulou's other siblings as she gives them books she has selected specifically for them. All the while, Loulou exemplifies kindness to her siblings and problem-solving skills. She also applies her book smarts to fix a leaky faucet and conquer her fear of the spooky attic.

The only thing I dislike is the lack of transition when Loulou suddenly appears in the library. The library is certainly a reasonable destination considering Loulou's quest for a quiet place to read. However, the rest of the story takes place in Loulou's home, and there is no explanation given as to how she arrives at the library. The story jumps from an illustration of Loulou climbing stairs at home to one of her sitting on a beanbag chair and reading at the library. The accompanying text reads, "Then she remembered the one place in the world where it was always quiet, and she knew she could read in peace." Using the same text with an additional illustration between the two pages would provide a simple segue and add a climatic aspect to the story. It would also encourage question prompts for those reading to young children. For instance, the illustration might picture Loulou walking to the library or perhaps display a close-up of her facial expression as the idea occurs to her, prompting questions, such as "Where do you think Loulou is going?" or "Do you have a special place you like to read?". Given the rest of the storyline, the lack of transition seems abrupt and inconsistent.

Sadly, this type of inconsistency in a children's picture book prevents me from giving it a perfect score. Therefore, I rate Loulou Brown Loves to Read 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend the entertaining story to young readers under the age of 10; it is also a fun read-aloud story for parents, grandparents, and teachers.

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Loulou Brown Loves to Read
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[Laura Lee]

Thanks for a review that gives a good analysis. I'm always on the look out for quality children's books. It's also helpful having the age of the intended audience. Thanks!

[Tomah]

Finding a quiet place to read is a relatable problem, and I'd like to see the interactions between Loulou and her siblings. Thanks for the review!

[Cecilia_L]

Thanks for a review that gives a good analysis. I'm always on the look out for quality children's books. It's also helpful having the age of the intended audience. Thanks!

I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

Finding a quiet place to read is a relatable problem, and I'd like to see the interactions between Loulou and her siblings. Thanks for the review!

Thanks for your comment.

[Y0landa]

I like the way Loulou encourages reading amongst her siblings by sharing books she knows might interest them. You've made a good point in regards to building up the climactic point of the story, perhaps an additional image would've helped. Nonetheless, it still sounds like a great children's book to encourage reading! Great review, thanks!

[Manang Muyang]

I chose this book but the download didn't work. I was able to see some of the illustrations and found them amusing. I hope the author adds that missing link to clinch that wayward .

[kdstrack]

I love this story line! Reading doesn't only make you smart - it makes you useful! This sounds like a charming book. Thanks for the insights and the recommendation.

[Cecilia_L]

I like the way Loulou encourages reading amongst her siblings by sharing books she knows might interest them. You've made a good point in regards to building up the climactic point of the story, perhaps an additional image would've helped. Nonetheless, it still sounds like a great children's book to encourage reading! Great review, thanks!

Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I chose this book but the download didn't work. I was able to see some of the illustrations and found them amusing. I hope the author adds that missing link to clinch that wayward .

Oh, I hate it when that happens! Me too--it's a cute book, otherwise.

[Cecilia_L]

I love this story line! Reading doesn't only make you smart - it makes you useful! This sounds like a charming book. Thanks for the insights and the recommendation.

Yes--such a great message for kids! Thank you!

[bookowlie]

Thanks for another great review! The book sounds very cute, with a problem even adults face - wanting some quiet time to read without distractions. Sorry to hear about the poor transitions between scenes.

[Nisha Ward]

Oh. This is cute. I like that the book offers compromises between the siblings, showing that you don't have to be one way or another, while still following along Loulou's search for a place to read. Very nice.

[Amy747]

Very relatable and its nice that she tried to get along with her siblings and help them too, not just herself.