Last-But-Not-Least Lola and a Knot the Size of Texas
#3 in Last-But-Not-Least Lola Series
What’s inside...
In her fourth hilarious adventure, good-hearted Lola Zuckerman can't help getting into trouble. Her friends are all traveling for the Thanksgiving holidays, so she offers to dog-sit — but fails to mention this to Mom, who is desperately trying to finish a batch of Lola dresses for a new client. Now Lola is juggling her dog-sitting responsibilities with her worries. Will her parents discover the growing knot in her hair and cause her excruciating pain brushing it out? Will her grandmothers discover that she's lied to them every year about who makes the best pumpkin pie? Will Jack get so involved in his new babysitting and yard-work jobs that, like Mom and Dad, he won't have time for her anymore? Lola's worries, like the knot in her hair, grow greater until she finally has to stop hiding them and start untangling them. Perfect for fans of Beverly Cleary's 'Ramona' and Ivy & Bean, here is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming, and intensely satisfying story about family, the importance of friendship, and creative problem-solving.
Character compass
Lola Zuckerman
Discussion points
What do you think Lola felt when she faced her big problem? How would you feel in her situation?
Lola shows a lot of creativity in the story. Can you think of a time when you had to be creative to solve a problem?
Friendship is an important theme in this book. What do you think makes a good friend?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What is the biggest lesson Lola learns? Do you think it’s an important lesson for everyone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, ensuring a safe space for open communication.
Relate the book’s scenarios to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to deepen the discussion and encourage critical thinking.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the conversation to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Lola faces several challenges but she doesn't give up. Instead, she continues to try and solve problems, even when they seem difficult.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles in their own life, whether it's mastering a new skill or facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lola learns to navigate her relationships with her friends, showing the ups and downs of friendships.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and appreciate the value of maintaining friendships and resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Lola uses her imagination and creativity to handle complex situations, which often leads to unconventional yet effective solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems and express themselves in unique ways in their everyday activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Lola shows empathy by understanding her friends' feelings and situations, which helps in strengthening her relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy towards others, aiding them in building healthier and more supportive interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As Lola navigates through her adventures, she learns to take responsibility for her actions and their consequences.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of responsibility in children, encouraging them to be accountable in various situations such as schoolwork and household tasks.