Lulu Reads to Zeki

This is a lovely book to share with the very young, especially those anticipating a rival for their parents’ attention. Lulu’s mum is expecting a baby and in preparation reads her a book about a child in the same boat. Lulu has always been read to and the pattern continues before and after the baby’s arrival. What is highlighted is the enrichment that this life change brings, through the positive responses of Lulu and her family. Lulu models her behaviour on what she herself has experienced and she delights in sharing her love of story with baby brother Zeki, amidst the routine of family life:

‘Sometimes Zeki cries when he needs a new nappy. Lulu reads him her best potty book.’

So while Mum is feeding baby or Dad’s bathing him or putting away the ironing, Lulu’s there with a book or a story to tell. She feels listened to and involved. Mum and Dad are busy with the baby:’ But not too busy to end the day with a story… for the best big sister of all.’

This title has a lot going for it. The text reads very well for the age group and the typeface is clearly set. The illustrations are very well matched to the narrative. It is the characters and their demeanour that catch our eye on each double page spread. Unfussy backgrounds, in slightly muted but warm colours and with just enough detail to contextualise the scene, help to frame the warmth of Lulu’s family life. A good book to help accentuate the positive. Previous ‘Lulu’ titles are Lulu Loves Stories and Lulu Loves the Library.