Author: Allison Hill
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke
Publisher: Eat Laugh Give Productions
Released: May 13, 2024
Format: Hard Cover, Paperback, Kindle
Price: $7.21, $6.29, $0.99
Genre: Children’s Picture Books
Age Range: Author recommends 4-9 years
ISBN:979-8990396227
Page Count: 44 pages
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4 Lemon Drops
Available on Amazon
There’s no place like home and new friends who understand you!
A kind story for a world that has lost its way.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.
Favorite quote from the book:
“Just because Lolly seems different and scary, get to know her heart and you won’t be so wary.”
Review:
Book Summary:
A bad storm caused Lolly to lose her way and end up in the woods. Since she looks different, the woodland creatures won’t help when she asks. Thankfully, a dog pack understands and helps Lolly find her way back to her family.
Opinion:
Lolly the Left Out Lobster teaches us to be inclusive. This story offers relatable examples of the struggles people experience when they’re thrust into an uncomfortable situation. It also shows how fear leads people to behave harshly toward those in need.
The characters experience a range of emotions based on their perception of the world. Lolly feels lonely and sad because she’s lost. Squirrel shows fear because he’s seen no one like Lolly before. Turkey acts mean because she thinks she’s better than everyone else, especially newcomers. Unfortunately, many believe themselves superior and mistreat vulnerable individuals because of it.
When the dog pack arrives, we’re finally introduced to a group of characters who exhibit the positive traits children need for meaningful and long-lasting relationships-empathy and acceptance. These altruistic canines also show readers what genuine friendship and kindness look like.
Sandie Sanke’s charming drawings inject joy into a story with a serious theme.
The educator explanations and focus questions at the end of the book emphasize the interpersonal skills taught in the story. They also provide an opportunity for children to internalize the enduring message of inclusivity and empathy for others.
The rhyming pattern is simple for young learners to digest but inconsistent at times.
I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
Educational Influence:
Classroom Connection:
Lolly the Left Out Lobster works well for a friendship theme or a discussion on emotions and acceptance of others. The book could be expanded by exploring children’s feelings of sadness, loneliness, or exclusion. I think the hurtful words of squirrel and turkey deserve the attention of parents and educators. Children need to understand that their words (positive or negative) and actions matter.
Age Range: 3-7 years
Targeted Vocabulary:
Lonely, left out, chaos, sad, different, sneer, scurry, quirky, sauntered, glee, cove, gigantic, unique
Resources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.
About The Author:
Allison Hill writes from a place of passion for families, philanthropy, and education. Her debut children’s book, Lolly the Left-Out Lobster, weaves an entertaining tale of kindness and belonging that inspires young readers to embrace diversity, compassion, and the power of community.
Through Lolly’s eyes, readers explore the importance of approaching others with an open heart and mind.
As Lolly navigates the challenges of feeling left out and finding friendship in an unlikely band of dogs, the story becomes a reminder to us that compassion, empathy, and kindness can truly make the world a better place for everyone.
In her professional life, Allison leads social impact initiatives for a private equity firm, including diversity, inclusion, and non-profit relationships.
She received her undergrad and MBA from Cornell and has over 25 years of brand marketing experience. During the pandemic lockdown in 2020, she and her daughters started their efforts to help deserving families with basic necessities related to food scarcity and kitchen supplies.
The idea was born from Allison’s belief that every family, despite individual circumstances, deserves time together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy each other’s company around a shared meal or family table.
Her favorite activities center around her family - cooking, reading, laughing, (& doing nothing!) with her college sweetheart, two daughters, and two dogs.
About the Illustrator:
Sandie is a Southern Californian native. She found her passion for art at an early age and has always found joy in simply sketching in a sketchbook or drawing tablet.
Sandie enjoys working on children's books most of all. Her hope is to bring a little happiness to those who view her work, in fact, her work is currently on display in a children’s ward for that very reason.
Sandie Sonke's most popular book is Our Class is a Family (The Classroom Community Collection), and she has covered many other topics of huge importance to her, such as books about family, toddlers, vaccines, and a humorous feminist fable!
You’ll also find in her portfolio homages to real-life women with a cause! and illustrated recipes that she loves.
