[LM_NET] ELEM: BOOK REVIEW: Lazy Little Loafers by Susan Orlean

[Toni Buzzeo <tonibuzzeo@TONIBUZZEO.COM>]

Lazy Little Loafers by Susan Orlean, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 
Abrams, 2008. 978-0-8109-7027-4

I am always startled when elementary grade children browsing in the 
picture books ask me if I have a book about babies.  With the 
exception of "new baby in the family" books, there are often few 
choices.  But now, with the publication of Lazy Little Loafers, the 
small list has expanded with an entertaining offering by adult author 
Susan Orlean.  The story, told in first person narration by an older 
sister, is wry and entertaining.  Those youngest readers who are 
still concrete literal thinkers will miss some of the fun, but all 
children with a well-developed irony-detector are guaranteed to laugh 
themselves silly as the narrator searches for the answer to the 
perfectly reasonable question, "Why don't babies work?"  There are 
many plausible responses to the question, though the most apt comes 
last: "They're too smart!"  Karas's witty illustrations, employing a 
variety of perspectives, are the perfect accompaniment to the 
delightful text.  Share this one aloud with first graders for giggles 
and lively discussion.  Suggested ages 4-7.


Toni Buzzeo, MA, MLIS <mailto:tonibuzzeo@tonibuzzeo.com>
Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year Emerita
Buxton, ME 04093
http://www.tonibuzzeo.com
The Library Doors, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott (Upstart 
2008) BRAND NEW

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