Customer Reviews

I Am Really, Really Concentrating (Charlie and Lola)

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The Charlie and Lola books actually authored by Lauren Child are far more charming and imaginative then the tv episodes in book form that have been churned out lately. My kids find them mostly forgettable, and keep turning back to the Child originals. The TV books are much less about Lola's highly active imagination, and more about everyday events. Small children basically live inside their imaginations, and so are less interested in how well Lola can concentrate. "I am Not Sleepy and Will Not Go to Bed" ,for example, in which Lola imagines dancing dogs, whales in the tub, a toothbrushing lion, and so on, has been worn out by many, many bedtime readings.

I read the one review comparing the new books that seem to be based on everyday life events vs the original where Lola has more detailed imaginary adventures. I love the older versions for their extended imagination.

But, it is also great to have this series where it is about every day events. They are short fast reads for small children and siblings still love to sit down with them. In this book Lola wants to enter the Field Day events and Charlie tries to show her and her friend all the field events they could enter. Lola is not very fast or very coordinated for many of the events. She settles on the egg and spoon race.

I won't tell you the ending but let's just say this time Charlie gets a nice little lesson on winning and losing from Lola. These shorter versions of Laura Child's series are great starting points for talking out big ideas.

I bought this book not knowing Charlie & Lola, and I really enjoyed it. I like the way the author writes, and the way the bother and sister interact. I think it's a very sweet book, and my 3 1/2 year old really likes it.

I wish I had not bought this book. I would return it, but since I bought it on the 4 for 3 promotion I would not get anything back. This book is not a "real" Charlie and Lola book and is not as imiginative, funny, or interesting as the others I have read. The text is on the side of the page and is mostly dialogue that is hard to relate to the pictures. I bought it as a gift for my 4 year old niece and might not even give it to her. Very disappointed.