Lulu the One and Only
Lynnette Mawhinney, Author
Jennie Poh, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Jun. 9, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes: Racially-mixed people, Prejudices, Individuality, Self-esteem, Family Relationships
Opening: “My name is Luliwa Lovington, but everyone calls me Lulu. It means “pearl” in Arabic.
Synopsis:
Lulu and Zane’s mother is from Kenya. Their father is white and he coaches Zane’s hockey team. When she’s with her dad, kids think they are adopted. But being a mixture of both her parents stirs up the inevitable question…”What are you? ” Lulu hates that question.
Her older brother Zane, says the question is annoying. But he’s proud of his family and being brown. So he creates a power phrase that he uses: “I am magic made from my parents.” He says “It helps people understand who you are, not what you are.” Will Lulu find her power phrase?
Why I like this book:
Lynnette Mawhinney has written a sensitive and heartfelt story that empowers children who are mixed race, biracial, or multiracial. Lulu is always being asked the BIG question: What are you? In the story she learns how to deal with her feelings about being mixed race and how to stand proud when she is asked that inevitable question. There is so much beauty in this story.
Mixed race children often deal with teasing, like her brother Zane. When Lulu is asked THAT question, it comes across as curiosity from some kids, teasing from others. Lulu is a spunky character who is fortunate to have an older, confident brother in Zane, who can help her.
I like that the story is based on the real-life experiences of the author. It is a book that multiracial children and their families will identify with, but it is also a story that should be shared with all children. It is a perfect discussion book for classrooms.
Jennie Poh’s adorable illustrations are cheery and uplifting. They also showcase the bond Lulu and Zane have with their parents.
Resources: The author is biracial and shares many ways parents can start conversations with their children about race. Make sure you check out her Author’s Note at the end.
Lynnette Mawhinney, Ph.D, is the author of many books on education and teaching, but this is her first children’s book. She is a teacher educator that helps to prepare future teachers for the classroom. Lynnette uses her power phrase whenever she needs it as she is proud to be biracial. She lives in Chicago with her husband. Visit her at her website. Visit her on twitter: @lkmawhinney.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a book that should be in every classroom. Great review, Pat!
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It touches on a very familar topic for biracial children. Thought it was a good PB share after my Monday MG share, Black Brother, Black Brother.
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Definitely a great book for the classroom!
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Yes, I agree. It is a great read aloud at school!
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Sounds like a great book, Patricia! Yes, kids need awareness of how these kinds of questions are hurtful, and kids who receive these questions need a strong and confident way to respond.
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I believe it’s a good book for parents to help them boost their biracial children’s self-confidence. When you parent a biracial or a child of who looks different from you, even innocent questions can be hurtful.
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Such an important topic! I know many biracial families who would enjoy this book. Thanks for sharing this resource.
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You are welcome, Greg! It may be written for biracial children, but adoptive parents of foreign children will also benefit.
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What a great cover. I love Lulu already. This is such an important book; one that will definitely have an effect and help many kids (maybe even teach a few adults). Great #PPBF choice Patricia. Thanks for the introduction.
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Yes, it is a great cover! It belongs in every classroom!
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What a perfect book to spur discussions in classrooms & families. Great choice for #PPBF!
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Thanks, Patricia! It is a perfect read aloud for teachers.
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what a great book to begin conversations! Thanks for sharing with us.
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You are welcome! Kids may keep things to themselves and this would be useful way to work with your child.
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Sounds like a timely book with an important place in every classroom and perfect for starting discussions at home and at school.
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It is timely. Have been seeing more stories about biracial children and the unique problems they encounter.
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It’s a good thing.
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Yes, I agree. And each story shares a different angle.
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This is such a needed topic that needs more quality books for kids.
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I have a soft spot for chapter books, because it is not easy to find really good stories. So it is always fun to share a new Griswold and Wilcox mystery. Kids really get a sense about how you investigate a crime — especially with all the side details Robin shares in the book.
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