Review: Loula Is Leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Loula has had enough of her terrible triplet brothers and decides to run away to Africa. Luckily, her mother's chauffeur, Gilbert, knows just how to get there. Together, Loula and Gilbert ride camels, cross a desert and, most important, use heaps of imagination in this heartwarming adventure.

MY TAKE:
Most kids have tried to run away at least once, but I doubt that a lot of them had Loula's experience.

In Loula Is Leaving For Africa, Loula is a young girl who is annoyed with her brothers. She decides to leave and head for Africa. Luckily, their family chaffeur Gilbert knows the way and wants to help Loula get there.

Loula seems a little spoiled, but despite that, she's still a little charming. Gilbert is the real star of the book, for me. There aren't a lot of adults who would indulge kids the way he did, and he did an excellent job of taking care of Loula and allowing her to explore at the same time. I'm sure a lot of rich families wouldn't mind having someone like Gilbert on staff.

As you would expect, they don't really head to Africa, but their journey towards pretend Africa brings a smile to one's face.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the e-ARC. Publication date of Loula is Leaving for Africa is on September 1, 2013.

THE GOOD:

1. The watercolor painting-like coloring style is pretty.
2.  Gilbert and Loula's adventure is very entertaining.
3. The characters are charming.

THE BAD:

1. The illustration style might not work for everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

She takes the essentials... her cat, her tea set and her best drawing.

READ IT IF:

1. Your child is always threatening to run away.
2. Your child is very imaginative.
3. Your child likes adventures.

RATING:


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