LOLA'S TEDDY BEAR

In her fifth outing, Lola the Yorkshire terrier introduces her beloved miniature teddy bear companion, Bear.

Lola narrates the brief story, describing Bear and their activities together. They sleep together, hold tea parties, go on jaunts outside, and play hide-and-seek. At bedtime Lola can’t find Bear, so she searches around her house, finally falling asleep next to Bear’s tiny, empty bed. In the morning, Lola runs outside and easily finds Bear hiding in a hedge. Bear is wet and doesn’t make a squeaky sound any more, but Lola loves her just the same. The story is illustrated with photographs of the dog posed in amusing scenes with just one or two sentences per page set in large type. While there isn’t much of a plot, Lola’s love for her teddy bear and distress at her toy’s disappearance will be familiar to preschoolers and their caregivers. The author/photographer is a special education teacher who works with children with autism. She has included a curriculum guide with focus words, discussion questions, and related simple activities. The brief but satisfying story could be used with toddlers just transitioning into books with a plot, with new readers, and with children with special needs.

Little Lola’s endearing story gains stature with its realistic, appealing photographs and sweet bond between dog and teddy bear.