Lola Dutch (Lola Dutch Series)

Reading this masterfully illustrated story reminded me that creative expression is sometimes less about imagination--which some of us might not think we possess in abundance--than it is about just getting out there, rolling up sleeves, and trying new things. Any child (or child IN the adult), can do it. And should! All it takes is a little push, some stray ingredients to hand, and true friends to cheer us on.In Lola Dutch, a strong-willed, high energy go-getter and her pals embark, escapade after escapade, on more than “a little bit much” in a single day of painting, cooking and ransacking the local library. In the process, the adventuresome pack of friends—Lola, Gator, Crane, Pig and Bear—leave behind a glorious, and often messy, proof of life.European-style children's illustrator Sarah Jane Wright, in all her detailed attention to whimsy, takes pains NOT to cover up her dynamic new characters' collateral bric-à-brac, as she teams with subtle storyteller Kenneth Wright to remind us that sometimes the act of imaginative play itself—Did I spy "The Creation of Lola" on the ceiling?—can be its own reward; the end product mere collateral. (It’s as if the creative team are asking and answering the question, “Why can't creative expression sometimes just be, um, expressive?”) As this wise-between-the-lines story reminds us, the best end product of a well-worn day can be something as mundane, and as real, as an earned night's sleep!And can I also just add that Bloomsbury's decision to invest in a heavier paper grade that says, "What you’re sensing as you turn these pages is the gravity of a REAL book. We deliberately selected this weight because Lola Dutch, and books like it that aim to bring reading (and living, for that matter) back to the tactile world," underscore Lola’s call to action.

Lola Dutch is an absolute delight. I can’t tell you how much we’ve giggled with glee as we’ve read this book again and again over the past few days.The illustrations are so charming and we are a huge fan of Sarah Jane's work - we have several of her prints in our kids' rooms. But I think the most delightful part of the book for us has been the story by her husband, Kenneth Wright.Both of my kids love to create and draw and write and have huge imaginations, and I love that the main character Lola Dutch has a little group of animal friends that love her and support her creative endeavors in different ways - they jump in and start creating with her, and Bear is there offering quiet support. I had a really engaging discussion with my son yesterday (he's 11, and I didn't think he'd even care to read it, but he's read it as many times as my 7 year old daughter has) about how the sweet Bear is such a good, steady presence and loves Lola whatever she does - even if she makes a big mess creating her works of art. And then he compared the Bear to his dad and I and how we support him in what he tries to do. (which may have made me teary-eyed.) I love that he got it. That we make space for people to create and dream and be who they are, and we support each other with who we are.All that from a sweet little story about a girl with a fabulously big personality.

As a Mother of 4, I am very conscious of the message or moral of children's books. Too many stories are only focused on entertainment and not enriching or inspiring kids in their life.Lola & Dutch is the NEW STANDARD for children's books. The message of creativity, exploration, and imagination is a MUST in today's world. Sarah and Kenneth brilliantly tell the story of Lola and her friends. What many would mistakingly call an "ordinary" day, Lola see's as "another AMAZING day!"In order to make it in the world today, you need the right mindset, and Lola shares her way of thinking in a fun and inspiring way.Sarah is a BRILLIANT illustrator. Her art feels so familiar and nostalgic. You can feel Lola's excitement and energy through the colors and details in each page.If you are tired of you kids spending too much time in front of a screen and want to jumpstart their imagination, then this book will do just that. My 4 year old daughter requests this book every night. And her 9 year old brother loves to listen in as well.It even comes with a fun surprise inside the book sleeve.

I have been a fan of Sarah Jane's art and illustrations for years. Her fabric has been used to make some of my daughter's most loved possessions. Her art decorates my daughter's walls. So when Sarah Jane announced that she was illustrating and co-writing a children's book with her teacher husband Kenneth (and that it would be a series), my heart skipped a beat!! I knew that it would be filled with whimsy, mischief, fun, and tenderness. And Lola Dutch is just that, and a little bit more! My 5 year old really enjoys the story and loves Lola's friends Gator, Pig, and Crane. But she adores Bear and so do I. Bear seems to be Lola's nannie, and you can tell he loves her very much. Such a beautifully illustrated story of a little girl full of creativity and a love of learning, and a curiosity of the world beyond! Lola Dutch may be a little bit much, but she's absolutely perfect that way! We can't wait for the next book!!Fun surprise in the dust cover of the hardback edition!

Nos encanto este libro, es una historia muy linda que invita a ser creativos, además el libro cuenta con una sobrecubierta con la que pueden jugar con Lola y el Oso 🐻, es una excelente compra!

Our favourite book, the most beautiful illustrations and the storyline and character of Lola is perfect for our high energy imaginative little girl!

Wonderful quality book with beautiful images and a lovely story. Nice big hardback format with a bonus puppet theatre and paper puppets play scene using the dust jacket.

Fun book

Beautiful book, will be enjoyed over and over I’m sure