Loula and the Sister Recipe
#3 in Loula Series
on Goodreads (124)
What’s inside...
Loula is tired of her three brothers, the Rotten Pirate Triplets, who don't want to play with her. She decides she needs a sister and asks her parents to make one. Her father explains that making a sister requires specific ingredients, similar to making a cake. Determined, Loula sets out with her chauffeur, Gilbert, to gather everything needed for a sister. As Loula waits for her sister to materialize, she encounters a hungry visitor, and ultimately learns a lesson about not getting exactly what you want but still enjoying the outcome. This story, illustrated by Anne Villeneuve, mixes whimsy and humor while addressing the common desire for a sibling and the power of taking matters into one's own hands.
Discussion points
Why do you think Loula wanted a sister? How would you feel if you were in her place?
What are some ways Loula tried to make a sister? What would you have done differently?
How did Loula’s idea of the perfect sister change throughout the story?
What did Loula learn about family and friendships by the end of the book?
If you could create your own recipe for a perfect sibling, what ingredients would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think it means to have a sibling, and revisit this question after finishing the book to see if their thoughts have changed.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and relationships with their own siblings or friends, drawing parallels to Loula's experiences.
Help your child think creatively by discussing what 'ingredients' make up a good friend or sibling, and why those qualities are important.
Use expressive reading to highlight the humorous and imaginative parts of Loula's sibling-creating adventure, making the reading experience more enjoyable and engaging.
Post-reading, engage in a drawing activity where your child imagines and draws their own 'perfect sibling,' using characteristics important to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Loula learns to appreciate her annoying triplet brothers and finds a way to connect with them, teaching the value of family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the importance of their family members and work on building stronger relationships with their siblings.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Faced with the challenge of wanting a sister, Loula concocts a 'sister recipe', representing innovative thinking to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively when faced with difficulties, using imagination to come up with unique solutions.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, Loula comes to accept and cherish her brothers for who they are, highlighting the theme of acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children learn the importance of accepting and celebrating differences in others, fostering empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Loula adapts her initial desire for a sister to appreciating her brothers, teaching flexibility and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be adaptable in different situations and to make the best out of what they have.