Publishers Weekly
In her third book, Lola has a new baby brother. Lola learns how to help take care of Leo—and how better than by sharing her love of reading? “Lola holds her best bear story while Mommy feeds him.” Being a big sister means new responsibilities, and everyone is busy, but Lola knows that her parents still have time for her. Beardshaw’s smudgy acrylic depictions of quiet family moments should reassure readers who are anxious about the arrival of a new sibling. Ages 2–5. (Feb.)
School Library Journal
PreS-K—Lola is a sweet little girl who just loves to read at all times of the day and has a special book for every occasion. Her mother reads to her every night before bed. Lola loves a book about a little girl who gets a baby brother, because Lola is expecting her own baby brother any day. When baby Leo arrives, Lola tries to help out in any way she can. She helps her mom with the dishes and she helps her dad with the laundry. She even helps baby Leo by sharing her favorite books with him whenever he is upset. Lola has the perfect book for potty time, mealtime, when it's time for a bath, and bedtime. She's such a good helper that her parents make sure they save stories just for her every night before bed. Rosalind Beardshaw's colorful acrylic illustrations complement the text. Nikki James reads Anna McQuinn's story about a contemporary African American family (Charlesbridge, 2012) in a sweet, animated voice that will appeal to young listeners. The lively background music, composed by Peter Calo, is a great companion to the story. Page-turn signals are optional. A perfect choice for families expecting a new addition.—Jenny Ventling, Dayton Metro Library, OH
Kirkus Reviews
Bibliophile Lola has no trouble adjusting to her role as big sister in this warm slice-of-life story about a little girl welcoming her new baby brother. While many new baby books are dominated by an older sibling's jealousy over an attention-hogging infant, Lola delights in Leo's arrival. Prior titles about this book-loving child (Lola Loves Stories, 2010, and Lola at the Library, 2006) set the stage for how she engages with Leo--through books, of course. She brings him a "soft book for his crib" when she meets him at the hospital, reads to him when he cries "to cheer him up" and shares theme-appropriate titles during diaper changes (a potty book), baths (a duck story) and naptime (a sleepy story). Although busy adjusting to parenting two children instead of just one, Lola's mother and father reward her with a story at the end of each day since she is "the best big sister of all." It's refreshing to see this time-worn theme addressed in a story that just happens to be about a family comprised of people of color, as warm, acrylic portraits depict mother, father, Lola and Leo as a book-loving, close-knit joyful crew. A welcome edition about a welcome addition. (Picture book. 2-6)
