Lazy Little Loafers
What’s inside...
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Orchid Thief comes a smart, hilarious take on what babies contribute—or don’t—to the world. In this charming, droll story, a world-weary older sister ponders the question, why don’t more babies work? Her answers, hilariously tinged with resentment, offer up a wickedly accurate picture of just how great babies have it. Known for her keen and witty observations of various subcultures, Susan Orlean here turns her gaze on babies. The resulting picture book is tongue-in-cheek fun for older siblings and anyone looking for a lazy, praise-filled day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the narrator believes that babies don't do any work?
How do you think the baby in the story might feel about the tasks adults do every day?
What are some ways that babies might be learning even when it looks like they are just playing?
Can you think of any work that you do that might not look like work to others?
How do you feel when you have responsibilities or chores to do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the perspective of the baby in the story, promoting empathy and understanding.
Discuss what 'work' means and explore different forms of productivity, emphasizing that everyone, even babies, has a unique role and contribution.
Relate the story to your child's daily experiences by talking about their chores or tasks and how these activities contribute to the family.
Use humor from the book to keep the conversation light-hearted and engaging, prompting your child to share funny observations or similar stories.
Praise your child’s insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing thoughts and engaging in dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Lazy Little Loafers', the narrator humorously accuses babies of not working, prompting discussions about responsibilities at different stages of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that everyone, including themselves, has different roles and responsibilities appropriate to their age, helping them understand the importance of contributing in age-appropriate ways.
Example Lesson: Perspective Taking
Explanation: The book is narrated from the perspective of a young child, providing a unique and humorous viewpoint on babies and their 'laziness'.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider how different people might view the same situation differently, teaching empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: Importance of Play
Explanation: Although the title suggests laziness, the book can be used to highlight that babies are actually learning through play, which is their form of work.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate that play is a valuable way of learning and developing important skills, not just a way to pass time.
Example Lesson: Humor in Everyday Life
Explanation: Susan Orlean uses a lighthearted and playful tone to address misconceptions about babies being unproductive.
Real-World Application: This can teach children how to appreciate and utilize humor in daily situations, making interactions more enjoyable and less stressful.