The Children’s Book Review | August 13, 2016
Written by Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalin Beardshaw
Age Range: 3 and up
Hardback: 28 pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge
ISBN: 978-1580897365
What to expect: Cats, Pets, Animal Shelters, Pet Adoption
Lola has always wanted a cat. When her mom tells her that cats are a lot of work, she sets out to learn all about them. She gets books from the library and learns all about their amazing sense of smell. She pretends her stuffed cat Dinah is a real cat and feeds her and gives her water. Finally, they adopt a cat from the shelter. When they bring a sweet little gray one home, Lola is ecstatic. But the little cat is afraid, and stays in her corner. Eventually she comes out and plays with Lola and they bond, becoming the best of friends. She names her Makeda, which is the name of an African queen. Together Makeda and Lola are the best of friends, and Makeda is happy in her forever home where she is truly treated like a little kitty queen.
This is a delightful book with the cutest little girl who longs for a cat of her own. All children who want pets can relate to her struggle. Getting a pet is a lot of work, but it can be wonderfully fun! Even Lola’s planning chart (mealtime, watering time, play time) would be great conversation starters with children who are planning on getting a pet of their own. Parents could take children to the library, just like Lola, so that they can learn more about their desired pet. The book is both informative and entertaining.
Anna McQuinn’s story is sweet and simple, and even the youngest children will enjoy hearing about Lola and her newly adopted cat. The tone is light, and perfect for snuggling with before bedtime. The illustrations are beautiful and very colorful, the paint popping off of the page. Children will love Makeda the cat’s bright blue eyes. The book is diverse and full of characters of all races, and Lola herself is African American. What a wonderful addition to a child’s library!
Highly recommended.
Available Here:
About the Author
Anna McQuinn has worked in children’s books for more than twenty-five years as an editor, publisher, and writer. She has written more than twenty books for children, including the Lola series and books about Lola’s baby brother, Leo. Anna lives in England.
About the Illustrator
Rosalind Beardshaw has illustrated many books for children, including the Lola series, Mole’s Babies (Tiger Tales), Just Right for Christmas (Nosy Crow), and The Best Present (Scholastic). She lives in England.
Lola Gets a Cat, by Anna McQuinn, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like Lola Gets a Cat by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Anna McQuinn, Books About Pets, Cats,and Pet Adoption.