The Grunts in Trouble

The Quirks: Welcome to Normal

In a Patch of Grass

The Bad Mrs. Ginger Illustrated by Honor Appleton

Bugglepuffs and the Magic Key

Spooklarious Would You Rathers, Jokes, and Riddles: Scary Good Halloween Questions, Jokes, Riddles, and Tongue Twisters for Kids That’ll Keep the Whole Family in Stitches

Crazy Times with Uncle Ken

Emily Feather and the Enchanted Door

Loula's three brothers, the Rotten Pirate Triplets, don't want to play with her. "Brothers," mutters Loula, "the worst invention in the world." She decides what she really needs is a sister, one just like her. So naturally, she asks her parents to make one for her. Only, it's not that easy. Her father explains, "Making a sister is . . . well, it's like making a cake. You need the right ingredients." To make a sister, they say, you need a papa and a mama, butterflies in the stomach, a full moon, a candlelit supper, kisses and hugs and chocolate. Well, that's no problem. Loula can follow this recipe! And she sets out with her loyal sidekick, the chauffeur Gilbert, to do just that.     This second picture book written and illustrated by Anne Villeneuve about the charming and witty Loula firmly establishes her as a classic character who will endure in the hearts of young children. Her slightly eccentric home life adds a delightful whimsy to Loula's escapades, even while the book deals with the very common experience of wishing for a sibling. The artwork, with several different scenes laid out across each spread, is full of energy and expression. Loula's own unique blend of imagination and verve provides an empowering, inspiring and positive message, particularly for girls, that you should take matters into your own hands to improve your life. There are great character education lessons here on taking the initiative and exhibiting resilience when seeking a solution.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

The Grunts in Trouble

Philip Ardagh, Scheffler Axel, 2012

The Quirks: Welcome to Normal

Erin Soderberg, 2013

In a Patch of Grass

Dan Tavis, Fran Hodgkins, 2023

The Bad Mrs. Ginger Illustrated by Honor Appleton

Honor C. Appleton, 1902

Bugglepuffs and the Magic Key

M.A. Bennett, CL Bennett, 2014

Spooklarious Would You Rathers, Jokes, and Riddles: Scary Good Halloween Questions, Jokes, Riddles, and Tongue Twisters for Kids That’ll Keep the Whole Family in Stitches

Bravo Brains Publishing, 2023

Crazy Times with Uncle Ken

Ruskin Bond, 2011

Emily Feather and the Enchanted Door

Holly Webb, 2013