Lola Dutch is a modern-day Madeline meets Eloise with a generous dash of Olivia and Fancy Nancy thrown in. Due to Lola being a “bit much” for some (a nice way of saying she has way too much energy and ideas and ability to act them out), she seems to have her heart in the right place. You will either enjoy her antics or not. And, you might not have liked her in her first book (Lola Dutch), but this second picture book might be right up your alley. (Or vice versa). It seems to have a “lesser” amount of a “bit much” while still keeping the Lola who is a “bit much,” too.
Kenneth Wright’s Lola Dutch When I Grow Up is a solid story about how kids never really can make up their minds what they want to be when they grow up. Performer? Botanist? Inventor? Or one of a plethora of other ideas. But it is not until Lola’s friend Bear tells her that she has plenty of time to be a kid and make up her mind later, does Lola calm down. But of course, tomorrow is anther day and she does have a lot of other ideas to explore.
Sarah Jane Wright’s sweet, bright and bold (though not overpowering) illustrations bring to life Lola, her friends and her imagination. (I am leaning towards Bear is her loving, indulgent grandfather). Based on her and Kenneth Wright’s own children, Lola Dutch When I Grow Up does have the feeling of real children having this serious thought.
In the back, there are paper dolls to cut out and you can use the inside of the jacket to create your own Lola adventures.