Parents' Guide to

Lulu Series

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Delightful adventures of young girl caring for animals.

Book Hilary McKay Animals 2014
Lulu Series Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

Jlovebooks
Jlovebooks Adult
September 4, 2020
age 5+

Great for kids who love animals!

I have a four year old and a six year old who I read to before bed and these books are a hit with them. The stories are realistic, sweet, and full of animals. The main character sometimes gets in trouble for doing things lots of normal children do. Also, the books shows that having a pet can be lots of fun AND lots of work.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Animals and friends are intertwined in the LULU series, which follows best friends Lulu and Mellie on day-to-day adventures. The places they go are common -- the park, the beach, their neighborhood -- but their interactions with the animals will leave animal lovers envious. Lulu has a way with animals, and always helps the ones who are lost, injured or scared. Lulu’s parents are full of laughter and support her love of animals, but make sure she’s the one responsible for their care.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

These stories will delight any animal lover. Lulu doesn’t always know what to do, but the adults are there to help her out with advice and support. When there are problems with the animals, her parents, extended family, teachers, and others are positive and kind, and never make Lulu feel like animals or her love of them are a burden. While it is never mentioned in the stories, the wonderful illustrations on every page show that Lulu and her family are black, as are some of the kids in her class. This incidental diversity is a fluid part of the story, fitting right in with all the other small details that make the Lulu series fun, warm, engaging books to read.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how having a pet looks in the Lulu series. What do you think Lulu has to do to take care of her animals before school every morning? Does it seem like a big respnsibility?

  • Why do you think Lulu is more careful with animals she’s just met? Why is this important?

  • What are some of your favorite books or movies about animals?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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