I Love to Cuddle

Rating:
Summary: Didn't like some of the content....
Review: I'm not normally this picky about kids' books, but this book rubbed me the wrong way. First of all, this is a book for toddlers/pre-schoolers, so what's up with Lola's parents leaving her with a babysitter who's not even in the house? Not to mention a babysitter that Lola doesn't seem to like much. Also, I know lots of people sleep w/ their kids, but we don't. I don't like the ending where Lola climbs in bed with her parents. Our son gets plenty of cuddling during the day; I really don't want him picking up the idea that he should try sleeping with us (we've tried it -- he takes up 2/3 of a king-sized bed!). But, my son loved Lola (especially the part where she sleeps upside down), so I edited the book to make it acceptable. I ripped out the last few pages, and covered over the offensive parts of the text with labels where I wrote my own, more acceptable text. The drawings are really great, I'll give the book that. You'll notice I didn't complain about my son getting the idea to make a mess of the house while building a cuddle island...that's because he already knows that trick. :-)

Rating:
Summary: Didn't like some of the content....
Review: I'm not normally this picky about kids' books, but this book rubbed me the wrong way. First of all, this is a book for toddlers/pre-schoolers, so what's up with Lola's parents leaving her with a babysitter who's not even in the house? Not to mention a babysitter that Lola doesn't seem to like much. Also, I know lots of people sleep w/ their kids, but we don't. I don't like the ending where Lola climbs in bed with her parents. Our son gets plenty of cuddling during the day; I really don't want him picking up the idea that he should try sleeping with us (we've tried it -- he takes up 2/3 of a king-sized bed!). But, my son loved Lola (especially the part where she sleeps upside down), so I edited the book to make it acceptable. I ripped out the last few pages, and covered over the offensive parts of the text with labels where I wrote my own, more acceptable text. The drawings are really great, I'll give the book that. You'll notice I didn't complain about my son getting the idea to make a mess of the house while building a cuddle island...that's because he already knows that trick. :-)

Rating:
Summary: Who can resist a book involving a family of hamsters?
Review: If hamsters stood on their heads they would look just like Lola does in this book! Yes, this book is too cute to live, but the illustrations are great, and "Cuddle Island" is a pretty conceptual idea for a toddler hamster to create. Very imaginative. I plan using it for a Valentine's Day gift. If you love over-the-top lovey-dovey hamster families, this is definitely one to add to your collection. You won't want to leave your hamsters alone in the house after reading this book though--it would break your heart.

Rating:
Summary: A loving & creative Lola with one DISTURBING illustration!
Review: Only being familiar with this book and Norac's "I Love You This Much", Lola is a creative, loving hampster with a wonderfully infectious personality. I highly recommend the story for all parents and children to share. The "Cuddle Island" also provides a rainly afternoon activity for my own child and his playmates. UNFORTUNATELY, I was gravely DISTURBED upon seeing the illustration of the cartoon character near the beginning of the book. The character depicted in this illustration appears to be evil and holding a GUN. I'm sure Mr. Dubois could have drawn something else to show the lack of "cuddle" in his cartoon character. I find myself skipping the page when I get to it so my son does not see it. With the amount of tragedy surrounding guns in these times, it is a tragedy in itself to see a gun in the middle of a BEAUTIFULLY CREATIVE children's book. I would love to rate this book with 5+ stars, but find myself ethically unable.