What You Need to Know:
• Lulu Walks the Dogs is the second Lulu book from masters Viorst and Smith, and it is just as funny and enjoyable
as the first Lulu adventure, Lulu and the Brontosaurus.
• This is a stand-alone sequel; the Lulu books can be read in any order.
• Lulu Walks the Dogs would make a terrific read-aloud.
• Viorst hasn't lost an ounce of her touch from the masterful Alexander Books. She just gets kids.
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Sweet Book Summary:
Lulu is back! First she wanted a brontosaurus. Now she wants something so special, the reader doesn't learn what it is until the end of the book. All we know is that Lulu needs a LOT of money, so she needs a job. But annoyingly perfect Fleischman, the little boy down the street, has cornered the market on all jobs around the neighborhood and sometimes doesn't even take payment! That's just irritatingly perfect in Lulu's view. But dog walking is up for grabs, so Lulu decides to give it a try. This is lucky for the reader, because Lulu's adventure in dog walking is downright hilarious.
Viorst is just so funny. Her story, combined with Lane Smith's droll and witty illustrations, makes Lulu Walks the Dogs a masterpiece. Viorst said Lulu grew out of a story she made up to encourage her grandkids to go to bed. Viorst said kids like "funny". She sure made Lulu, with all her flaws (loud, rude and bossy) quite funny. And what about that thing Lulu is saving up to buy? You will have to read the book to find out, or as our narrator would say, "I really don't feel like discussing that right now."
The Lulu books may look like first chapter books, but while they are in chapter form, they are not meant for an emerging reader to tackle on his/her own. (Not that they can't try!) But know that there is sophisticated vocabulary, and there are many nuances in this book that may turn into an unsuccessful, independent reading experience for a new reader. That can be damaging, so just be aware when you hand it off. Better yet, it is a fantastic read aloud. My five year old and I can read the Lulu books in one sitting or you can also savor them, and read them over a few nights, giving a young child practice sitting for a continuous story. |
Author: Judith Viorst Illustrator: Lane Smith Published: 2012, 160 pages
Themes: Animals, Behavior, Feelings, Friendship |
Sweet Discussion Questions:
• Are you at all like Lulu? Why or why not?
• Are you at all like Fleischman? Why or why not?
• If you needed to make money, what jobs could you do?
• Do you think Fleischman was annoying? Why or why not?
• Do you think Lulu will ever be able to purchase the thing she wanted? Why or why not? |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa Y. |
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