Lolly the Left Out Lobster (Review)

MY THOUGHTS

Lolly the Left Out Lobster is a bright, cheerful take on being an outsider. We’ve all experienced such a moment when we didn’t fit in. There are two possible responses: giving up and wallowing or pressing forward, understanding that it might take time and patience.

This book took me back to when I first arrived in Maryland, USA from the island of Trinidad and Tobago at age thirteen. After testing, I was eligible to go to ninth grade, but I chose eighth grade to be among my peers. I didn’t know what to expect, but I soon discovered how different I was. I was teased for my accent, dress sense, and standing up to answer questions. I never realized before, that’s the point I changed from an outgoing teen to a shy and reserved individual.

This book is a needed addition to the bookshelves of families, schools, and churches. It teaches kindness from a young age. It teaches kids not to give up and reminds parents to emphasize and model kindness.

What I Liked

The bright colors of the cover and the images (aqua blue is one of my favorite colors)
Lolly’s determination in the face of uncertainty and rejection
The assurance that there is a place for everyone to fit in if we make it so.
The discussion questions for parents to help their kids think through the importance of the messages

What Gave Me Pause

Not a thing!

Key Takeaways

Be kind and helpful
Don’t follow popular opinion
Be persistent when faced with obstacles
Be patient and forgiving

My Recommendation

This book is a great conversation starter that belongs in homes, libraries, classrooms, and Sunday school classes. If you liked Alycat and the Sunday Scaries or The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve, you will love Lolly the Left Out Lobster.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allison Hill writes from a place of passion for families, philanthropy, and education. Her debut 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. In her professional life, Allison leads social impact initiatives for a private equity firm, including diversity, inclusion, and non-profit relationships. She received her undergraduate degree and MBA from Cornell and has over 25 years of experience in brand marketing. 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. This turned into the non-profit Eat Laugh Give in 2022. When she’s not giving back, you can find her cooking, reading, and laughing with her college sweetheart, two daughters, and two dogs.

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FREEBIES

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Disclosure

I received a complimentary copy of Lolly the Left Out Lobster. My review is written voluntarily. There may be affiliate links in this post. This means that if you make a purchase using that link, I may get a small percentage to utilize for the upkeep of this site. This in no way increases the price that you pay.