Charlie and Lola: But Excuse Me That is My Book
Charlie & Lola Series
What’s inside...
Chirton Krauss is a well-behaved child who does everything he is told and more, while his sister, Myrtle, is the opposite. However, Chirton soon questions whether being the 'goody' is worth it. This charming story by Lauren Child highlights the importance of kindness and allowing children to be themselves. In a separate story, a young lady claims to be a princess, and the queen tests her claim by placing a pea under twelve mattresses to see if she can feel it. When a bedraggled young lady shows up at the castle, only the queen will be able to determine if she's really the princess she claims to be by hiding a tiny green pea under twelve down mattresses.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Lola has a favorite book, and what makes it so special to her?
How do you feel when you can't find your favorite things, like Lola with her book?
What are some ways Lola tries to find her book? Can you think of other ways she might have tried?
How do Lola and Charlie show that they care for each other in the story?
What did you learn about sharing and patience from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child about their favorite book and what makes it special to them, connecting it to Lola’s love for her book.
Use expressive voices for Lola and Charlie to make the reading session more dynamic and engaging.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child what they think might happen next, encouraging them to think about the characters’ feelings and decisions.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing a time they needed to wait or share something important.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. Discuss the colors and elements they choose to include.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: Lola learns to navigate her disappointment when her favorite book is not available at the library, showing children how sharing resources like books is part of community participation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to take turns and share communal resources like toys or books with their siblings or classmates.
Example Lesson: Coping with Disappointment
Explanation: The story highlights Lola’s journey in dealing with the unavailability of her favorite book, teaching children resilience and adaptive ways to handle situations that don't go their way.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it's okay to feel upset, and they can express their feelings and seek other enjoyable activities or solutions.
Example Lesson: Exploration of New Things
Explanation: Ultimately, Lola discovers a new book that she enjoys just as much, illustrating the benefits of exploring and trying new things.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be open to new experiences, whether it's trying a new food, making a new friend, or reading a different book, thus broadening their horizons.