In the seventh instalment of the Lulu series, we meet Lulu’s Nana-Bibi, who arrives for a visit. We see the preparation for, as well as the visit itself – Lulu gives up her bed for her Nana-Bibi and instead gets to sleep on a blow-up mattress in a snug spot in the living room!
This latest picturebook from the Zeki series sees little Zeki heading off to the doctor for his developmental check-up. We learn how much Zeki has grown in the past year, now he’s able to drink from his own cup, feed himself finger foods, and help to tidy away his toys. The check-up goes well, as Zeki is measured, weighed and immunised, before getting a book and a sticker for being so good!
Tomorrow is a big day for Lulu, she is starting preschool. She thinks it will be like story time at the library, but this time she will stay be herself. She has visited the school, packed her new bag, chosen her clothes and packed some extra, just in case! The day arrives and we follow Lulu from the obligatory photograph on the doorstep through each sequence of her day.
An ideal choice for a baby’s first introduction to the wonderful world of books, Zeki Loves Mummy takes us through a day with baby Zeki and his mum – building dens, going for bike rides, making splashy paintings and cuddling.
Lulu Gets a Cat!, the latest addition to the popular series, is a credit to Anna McQuinn. It’s clear that a lot of work and research went into this colourful picturebook, with information about the National Cats Adoption Centre available to young readers on the inside cover.
As a teacher, I found it fantastic that the process of adopting a furry friend was outlined, and that it’s explained that somebody can’t simply go and get a cat. It’s also important to mention that Anna McQuinn details how Lulu cares for her cat, and shows how committed she is before she even thinks of adopting a cat!
Lulu really wants a cat but Mum says looking after a pet is a lot of work. So Lulu decides to do her homework. She visits the library to find books on pet care and practices looking after her stuffed cat. When her Mum thinks she is ready for the responsibility, they head off to the local animal shelter to pick out a new cat for Lulu.
Zeki Can Swim concerns a little boy’s trip to a swimming pool with his dad and the other children in his swimming class. As is to be expected with modern story books, the illustrations contain children of all ethnicities. But what is particularly noticeable in this book is that the babies are lifelike and truly adorable. Big brothers and sisters will be as captivated by the characters and their antics as toddlers will be. In fact, this is a perfect book for early readers to read and discuss with younger siblings, thereby benefiting both parties.
