The Story: Lulu is a girl, in fact, she is the birthday girl. But more than that, Lulu is a pain. She screams and kicks and fights to get her way, and the worst part about it is that she usually does. But this year, when Lulu asks her parents for a pet Brontosaurus, things don’t go so well, and she is forced to take matters into her own hands. She sets out on an adventure to find her Brontosaurus, meeting all sorts of creatures along the way, and being-well- a pain. But when Lulu finally meets Mr. B the Brontosaurus, she is forced to face something she never imagined- the idea that she might not be able to scream and kick and fight her way through life. She may have to say “please”, she may have to compromise, and she may not always get what she wants.
The Rhythm: Judith Viorst’s writing is very amusing. Although this book is intended for children, she has a style and humor that adults (and especially writers) will love. Her sentences are short, rhythmic and casual. The reader is engaged throughout the entirety of Lulu’s journey.
The Artwork: Lane Smith’s charcoal illustrations mirror Viorst’s writing very well. They are fun, engaging and lively. Lulu’s personality is perfectly captured on each page.
The Layout: Lulu and the Brontosaurus is written as a chapter book, but reads similarly to a picture book. Almost every page is accompanied by an illustration, and bulk blocks of text are refreshingly broken up by dialogue and Lulu’s catchy theme song, “I’m gonna, I’m gonna, I’m gonna, gonna get/ A bronto-bronto-bronto Brontosaurus for a pet.”
The Message: The message in Lulu and the Brontosaurus is one about growing up and accepting responsibility for our actions, and the way we treat other people. It teaches us about being polite, and how to interact with our peers. It also teaches us a lesson that most of us have had to learn the hard way (as Lulu Does)- that we can’t always get what we want, but sometimes, it’s for the better.
Conclusion: Lulu and the Brontosaurus will make a great story to read as a family, and is sure to teach your little ones a lesson about manners in a way that they will enjoy. This book would also make a great gift for the “Lulus” in your life (because, lets be honest, we all know one). Buy Lulu and the Brontosaurus from Amazon, your local bookstore, or borrow it from your local library to share with the little pickles in your life.