Nico & Lola, Kindness Shared Between a Boy and a Dog

Meggan Hill
Photography by Susan M Graunke

Nico’s Aunt Sue was going away for the weekend and needs a favor. Her little girl, Lola, needs a special person to take care her while she was away. Would Nico be willing to take care of Lola while she was gone? Nico is more than happy to watch Lola over the weekend. Lola is a little black pug, and he knows she will need time to get to know him first. She first sniffs his hand and soon they are on their way to the backyard for fun and games. Nico makes sure Lola has plenty of cool water when she gets thirsty. When friends come over to play with Lola, Nico shows them how to be careful with Lola. All too soon Nico’s time with Lola is over and Aunt Sue will be there shortly. Nico wonders if he will ever see Lola again.

There are several lessons to be learned in this sweet picture book. From the value of kindness, to remembering manners, taking turns, helping others in needs, and more. This book is not just a story of a boy caring for a dog over the weekend. Ms. Hill successfully crafted a picture book that teaches life skills to beginning readers using engaging photographs of a friendly pug named Lola. Ms. Graunke’s photographs are perfect for this story and will draw the young readers in. The cover photograph is the perfect foreshadowing of the context of this picture book. Nico & Lola is an excellent addition to a home, public, or school library. Bonuses for this book are three PDF activities available at the publisher’s website.

BIBLIO: 2009, Harper Collins Children’s Books, Ages 4 - 8, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-06-199043-4

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/10/10