Loula's three brothers, the Rotten Pirate Triplets, don't want to play with her. “Brothers,” mutters Loula, “the worst invention in the world.” She decides what she really needs is a sister, one just like her. So naturally, she asks her parents to make one for her. Only, it's not that easy. Her father explains, “Making a sister is . . . well, it's like making a cake. You need the right ingredients.” To make a sister, they say, you need a papa and a mama, butterflies in the stomach, a full moon, a candlelit supper, kisses and hugs and chocolate. Well, that's no problem. Loula can follow this recipe! And she sets out with her loyal sidekick, the chauffeur Gilbert, to do just that.

This second picture book written and illustrated by Anne Villeneuve about the charming and witty Loula firmly establishes her as a classic character who will endure in the hearts of young children. Her slightly eccentric home life adds a delightful whimsy to Loula's escapades, even while the book deals with the very common experience of wishing for a sibling. The artwork, with several different scenes laid out across each spread, is full of energy and expression. Loula's own unique blend of imagination and verve provides an empowering, inspiring and positive message, particularly for girls, that you should take matters into your own hands to improve your life. There are great character education lessons here on taking the initiative and exhibiting resilience when seeking a solution.

Anne Villeneuve has written and illustrated close to 40 books, created games for magazines, illustrated for newspapers and designed cake boxes for a bakery. Over the years, her work has earned her many distinguished recognitions, such as the Governor General's Literary Award and the Québec/Wallonie-Bruxelles Literary Award in 2000, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2005 and 2009, and the Mr. Christie's Book Award in 1998.

Anne Villeneuve's profile page

• Winner, 2014 OLA Best Bet List for Children, OLA's Canadian Materials Committee

Children yearning for a reversal of authority, or at least for an adult to go along with their brand of make-believe, will nod approvingly and smile often at Loula's confounding cookery.

Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

The humour in both the story line and the illustrations is quite charming ... Anyone with imagination will enjoy thisbook from an award winning Canadian author.

Resource Links

Loula is a delight and deserves a place among Fancy Nancy and Eloise.

Booklist Online

Villeneuve's dainty ink lines awash with soft watercolors dance off the page, as exuberant as little Loula. Many small details ... add extra humor and charm to this sweet and funny story.

School Library Journal