I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
I am Inventing an Invention
by
Samantha Hill
It is part of the Charlie & Lola series and is a picture book in Hardcover edition that was published by Grosset & Dunlap on July 8, 2010 and has 32 pages.
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Illustrator: Tiger Aspect
Other books in this series include [books_series]
An installment in the continuing Charlie and Lola series created by Lauren Child and revolving around a brother and sister. The focus is on defining invention and sibling dynamics.
My Take
It begins with Lola’s curiosity about what Charlie is up to, and it’s so cute how Hill makes use of story to explain what an “invention” is.
It’s also a cute rendering of the need kids have to impress an older sibling, to be a part of their life without being pushy on Lola’s part, and Charlie being gracious enough to acknowledge her contribution.
It’s a curious technique (that works) in combining the sketchy drawings of the kids and the backgrounds while including photos of real life, such as the apple, pencil sharpener, crumpled paper, etc. I also like the background colors for the text being in different colors.
The story itself is from Charlie’s perspective in the first-person protagonist point-of-view.
I will say that Hill does a nice job of writing I am Inventing an Invention, but I need to read a few more books to really get a feel for Hill’s perspective.
The Story
Charlie and Marv have to create an invention for school. But it’s due tomorrow!
It doesn’t help when Lola keeps interrupting them, thinking she’s an amazing inventor.
But that clock is ticking down, and just as the boys are about to give up, Lola has a brilliant idea that saves the day!
The Characters
Charlie is Lola’s older brother while the younger Lola is small AND funny.
Marv is a friend of Charlie’s at school. Lotta is Lola’s friend.
The Cover and Title
The cover catches your attention with that bright red wall over the wooden floor — the art room I’m guessing as Charlie and Marv are standing in front of an art easel with colored pencils, markers, and an eraser while Lola is going crazy with strips of scotch tape in the foreground. The title is in black against that red wall while the series information is in a white circle at the top left as well as in the informational blurb in black at the bottom left.
The title is truly about Lola and her “I am Inventing an Invention” mood.
