Lulu Atlantis and the Quest for True Blue Love
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
Lulu Atlantis has a big problem: her new baby brother, Sam. With him in the picture, Mother certainly doesn’t need her around. Luckily, she has her best friend, Harry, a top-hat-wearing daddy longlegs spider to turn to. Over the course of four enchanting chapters, the two friends rescue a skunk stuck in a yogurt pot, encounter gangster bakers, seek out the Secret Ingredient to make Sam’s oatmeal edible, and contend with a monster (not to mention an evil cat named Princess Fancy). Through it all, Harry stands by Lulu Atlantis, his one and only True Blue Love, as she searches for True Blue Love of her own. With irresistible black-and-white chapter-opening art, plus an imaginative story with a classic feel, this is the perfect choice for young middle-grade readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
242 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lulu feel when she was trying to find True Blue Love and what does true love mean to you?
What do you think about the various characters Lulu meets on her journey? Who was your favorite and why?
How would you have reacted in some of the situations Lulu found herself in?
Lulu's adventures take her on a magical quest; if you could go on an adventure, where would it be and what would you hope to find?
What lessons do you think Lulu learned by the end of the book? Are there any lessons you learned as well?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Lulu's journey, drawing parallels to their own experiences of friendship and love.
Discuss the different definitions of love presented in the book and ask your child how they perceive love among family, friends, and pets.
Use the diverse characters and fantastical elements to ignite your child’s imagination, asking them to think creatively about the characters’ backgrounds and futures.
Guide your child to think critically about the decisions Lulu makes and to consider different choices she could have made in her quest.
Reinforce the morals and lessons in the story by relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter or has already faced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in face of challenges
Explanation: Lulu Atlantis faces numerous challenges throughout her quest for true blue love, demonstrating perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether it be solving a tough math problem or navigating social struggles at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Lulu shows deep empathy towards the characters she encounters, understanding their feelings and motives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understanding towards others' emotions, fostering a more empathetic approach in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Lulu learns the significance of being truthful to herself and others.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the strong bond Lulu shares with her family and friends, showing how crucial these relationships are during her adventures.
Real-World Application: Kids glean insights on valuing and nurturing relationships which provide support and love through life's journey.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: Lulu's adventures are filled with creative solutions and imaginative scenarios, demonstrating the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination not just for play, but as a problem-solving tool in their everyday life.