Ten-year-old Lotta loves to write and draw in her diary, and this doodle-filled series starter begins with her first day of fifth grade. Shes excited for the new school year, until she hears that crabby Mrs. Crabbert will be her teacher; though, luckily, Lottas best friend, Cheyenne, is in her class. Over the span of two weeks, a lotta things happen to Lotta. These come in the form of everyday disasters and mishaps that kids will find instantly entertaining. For instance, her first-day-of-school family dinner at an Italian restaurant takes an unsavory turn; her mother continues to encourage Lotta to play the recorder by gifting her yet another of the dreaded instrument; then Lotta decides she wants a pet (besides her turtle, Webster), but her parents resoundingly say no. Pantermüllers Lotta books have been wildly popular in her native Germany, and American readers will be smitten with the spunky protagonist and her indefatigable scheming. Lottas escapades are described and illustrated with theatrical flair and humor, making this an enjoyable snapshot of tween life. Booklist Ten-year-old Lotta loves to write and draw in her diary, and this doodle-filled series starter begins with her first day of fifth grade. Shes excited for the new school year, until she hears that crabby Mrs. Crabbert will be her teacher; though, luckily, Lottas best friend, Cheyenne, is in her class. Over the span of two weeks, a lotta things happen to Lotta. These come in the form of everyday disasters and mishaps that kids will find instantly entertaining. For instance, her first-day-of-school family dinner at an Italian restaurant takes an unsavory turn; her mother continues to encourage Lotta to play the recorder by gifting her yet another of the dreaded instrument; then Lotta decides she wants a pet (besides her turtle, Webster), but her parents resoundingly say no. Pantermüllers Lotta books have been wildly popular in her native Germany, and American readers will be smitten with the spunky protagonist and her indefatigable scheming. Lottas escapades are described and illustrated with theatrical flair and humor, making this an enjoyable snapshot of tween life. Booklist
