YOU'RE A STAR, LOLO

Bright-spirited Lolo is as curious, kind, and helpful as ever in this third installment in her eponymous series.

Lolo, who presents as Black, lives with her mama and doting grandmother—Gogo—in South Africa. In four episodic chapters, Lolo mixes up a treat for Mama in “Lolo’s Special Soup”; seeks a noisy monster in “Lolo’s Scary Night”; teaches Gogo about gardening in “Lolo’s Snail Garden”; and goes on a seemingly unending adventure with Gogo in “Lolo’s Holiday.” Readers will relate to Lolo’s earnest attempts to be helpful, her sad and fearful moments, and her excitement at being able to teach Gogo something she learned in school (which is racially integrated). When Mr. Speedy can only take them part of the way home after their holiday visit with Aunty Boni, Gogo sticks out her thumb to obtain a ride with a minibus full of choir members on their way to a church meeting. A fruit-and-vegetable cart drawn by a donkey concludes their eventful trip, which leaves Lolo “floppy-schloppy-tired” and happy to see Mama at the door. This final chapter presents adult readers, particularly teachers, with the opportunity to start conversations on how transportation can be different from country to country, imparting a cross-cultural exploration. Though not an #ownvoices book, this, like the others in the Lolo series, is drawn tenderly and told in a way that honors the characters and their culture.

Another winning addition—Lolo is indeed a star!