Reading Metrics
Description
When Lol's mother dies, she wishes she could freeze like an ice lolly to stop feeling the unbearable pain. Left with only her cat, Mr Pooter, for company, she believes she's facing the world completely alone. But as she navigates her grief, unexpected encounters reveal that life still holds surprises, and sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places.
Quick Summary
If you've ever felt like hiding from the world after something awful happens, Lol's story will hit you right in the heart. This is a book about grief, but it's not heavy-handed or sad in a way that feels like homework instead, it's got this quirky, stubborn narrator who tries to freeze out her feelings (literally wishing she could become an ice lolly so she doesn't have to feel anything), and that humor makes the tough stuff go down easy. Kids going through their own hard times whether it's loss, divorce, or just feeling misunderstood will see themselves in Lol's stubbornness and her way of pushing people away while secretly wanting to be found. The surprise friendships and small moments of connection are what really make this book shine, and there's a cat named Mr Pooter who basically steals every scene he's in. Parents will appreciate that it handles grief and loneliness with real honesty but keeps things age-appropriate and ultimately hopeful, while kids who might be hesitant readers will find a short, fast-moving story that doesn't talk down to them. If your kid connected with books like "The Great Brain" or enjoys stories with strong, slightly grumpy protagonists who have good hearts underneath, they'll probably love this one.