nerd teacher [books] reviewed Charlie Is Broken! by Lauren Child (Charlie and Lola, #28)
Actually Kind of Cute
3 stars
Rarely do I see a kids' book engage with how kids might deal with a severe injury or illness, even one that is temporary. I think this is pretty good for little kids and could provide a background to a conversation about how to help out, whether what someone does is good/bad/neutral, and how that can be contextual.
Like, Lola knows Charlie and his worries; she understands her brother, so her just doing something to make him feel better and still trying to include him in her games or plays is just normal for them. Having read most of the series with different kids, they've often pointed out to me how it's sweet that Lola would do this; some occasionally say that she should offer instead of just doing it (I agree, as I'd want someone to ask before doing most things for me, like feeding me or helping me …
Rarely do I see a kids' book engage with how kids might deal with a severe injury or illness, even one that is temporary. I think this is pretty good for little kids and could provide a background to a conversation about how to help out, whether what someone does is good/bad/neutral, and how that can be contextual.
Like, Lola knows Charlie and his worries; she understands her brother, so her just doing something to make him feel better and still trying to include him in her games or plays is just normal for them. Having read most of the series with different kids, they've often pointed out to me how it's sweet that Lola would do this; some occasionally say that she should offer instead of just doing it (I agree, as I'd want someone to ask before doing most things for me, like feeding me or helping me drink), but others recognise that their relationship with someone around them is similar enough that they'd also do that for each other.
It's actually been a good book for working through boundaries and contexts with kids, and that's not a very common thing to find (sadly).