STARRED Review for Last-But-Not-Least LOLA!

The School Library Journal gave a very nice, starred review of our first Last-But-Not-Least LOLA book. Below is the full review, or you can find it on the SLJ website. Thanks so much to SLJ and reviewer Sada Mozer, it means a lot to us! 

 PAKKALA , Christine. Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green. illus. by Paul Hoppe. 192p. Boyds Mills. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 9781590789353. LC 2013938848.

Gr 2-4 –In school, when your surname begins with “Z,” it means being last at everything. Last to be called on. Last to go to lunch. Last to leave at the end of the day. But Lola Zuckerman’s desire to go to the head of her class is the focus of this winning, environmentally themed book. Competing to win the coveted “green” vest by coming up with the best recycling project, the second grader anxiously watches as her classmates nab all the best ideas. The vest was previously won by her older brother, so Lola really feels the pressure. She is also competing against her former best friend, Amanda. The characters are fully developed, each with their own delightful quirks. For example, her teacher, Mrs. Denedebetti, loving refers to her students in candy terms such as “Jujubes” and “Gummy Bears.” However, when they cause a food fight in the cafeteria, they’re just “class.” Children will root for Lola as she tries to mend fences, save the planet, and come out on top. The lessons of recycling are creatively explored, showing readers big and small ways to help our planet. Those who have enjoyed “Clementine” will welcome this contemporary tale as it tackles family, competition, friendship, and the environment. The pencil drawings are energetic, and the list of Lola’s classmates gives a real sense of what the child is up against. A great choice for early chapter-book readers.–Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

Publishers Weekly reviews Last-But-Not-Least LOLA

Thanks very much to Publishers Weekly for reviewing the first book of Last-But-Not-Least Lola! I especially love that they call my illustrations feisty.

Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green

Christine Pakkala, illus. by Paul Hoppe

Boyds Mills, $15.95 (192p) ISBN 978-1-59078-935-3

Outspoken second grader Lola Zuckerman is tired of being last in her classroom, where alphabetical order rules the day. She’s also tired of former best friend Amanda, who used to live next door but has upgraded homes and friends. School isn’t all bad, though: there is the environmentally focused “Going Green” contest that Lola is eager to win. Of course, the students’ ideas are shared in alphabetical order, but Lola manages to come out on top. Winning doesn’t bring Lola the glory she’d hoped for, however, since her brother outshines her by getting an award on the same day. Along the way, Lola comes to recognize her own role in her falling-out with Amanda, navigates family problems, and learns to control some of her more impulsive tendencies. Debut author Pakkala handles sibling rivalry and the pain of losing a friendship with intuition and a light touch, while Hoppe’s feisty b&w spot illustrations subtly enhance Lola’s overall enthusiasm. Deadpan humor and a charming heroine carry this breezy read, first in a planned series. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Tina Wexler, ICM. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Sept.)

If you'd like to get this for your little ones, you can get a signed copy from me personally at New York Comic Con next week! My table is BB5 in the Artist Alley, October 10th-13th.

Last-But-Not-Least LOLA is out now!

My latest project is out now: Last-But-Not_Least Lola, an early readers' chapter book series written by Christine Pakkala. After comics, children's books and a graphic novel, this is yet another kind of illustrated books that I'm tackling for the first time.

The series is written by Christine Pakkala and tells the adventures of a young girl called Lola Zuckermann. Because of her last name, she is always called on last by the teacher, but that's not her only problem. In her class, there is a "Going Green" contest, so she has to come up with a great idea to preserve the environment. And since she'll have to go last again, she hopes not all the good ideas will be already taken…

It's been a blast illustrating this first book of the series. The humor and the relatable characters gave me a lot of ideas what to depict. I do love this format: The book has a lot of illustrations (most spreads have one), but they are light and simple, with focus on characterization. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Christine's wonderful script and with the awesome people at Boyd Mills.


The book is out now, it's perfect for 2nd and 3rd-graders, or to be read for even younger kids.
I'll have it with me at New York Comic Con Artist Alley, if you'd like a signed copy. Or get it at any book store, or from the publisher  as well as Amazon or IndieBound starting NOW!