Lazy Little Loafers
Common Sense says
- Susan Orlean
- Picture Book
- 2008
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book, which is both charming and humorous, refers to babies as "lazy little loafers," and questions whether these creatures contribute anything to the world. It's the perfect read for an older sibling who has to head off to school while the younger sibling stays home and plays.
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What's the story?
While she's busy going to school, doing homework, and lugging her own books all the way across town, a little school girl begins to notice how many babies are in the world, and just how little they do. How do they get away with it? On closer study, she becomes more and more dismayed as she notices all the things that need doing, and goes through a growing list of silly things that babies call work ... things like stroller pushing or elevator button pushing. Of course, some of this has to do with her new baby brother, and her feelings about having him in her world.
Is it any good?
Kids, especially those with younger siblings, will understand the little girl's resentment in this story. Parents even more than kids will find themselves laughing aloud at the little girl's laments. And both will have plenty to talk about as they find out just what she means when she calls the babies "lazy little loafers."
While the girl's very original take on babies rings true, the book is a bit far-fetched and definitely tongue-in-cheek. The witty writing is embellished with equally clever illustrations created with gouache, acrylic with pencil, and photo collage, making this book enjoyable on many different levels.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about babies and what they do all day. Why did the little girl call them "lazy little loafers?" What kinds of things did she see them doing? What does she think they should be doing? What do you think? How do you think she feels when she has to go to school and leave her baby brother playing with her mom in the park? In the end, she says babies are smart. What do you think?
Book details
- Author: Susan Orlean
- Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: October 1, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 7
- Number of pages: 32
- Last updated: March 4, 2020
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