
A parent might reach for this book when dealing with a picky eater or a child who is resistant to trying new experiences. Lola the flamingo is perfectly happy eating only shrimp, thank you very much. But when a storm washes all the shrimp away, she must decide whether to stay hungry or be brave enough to try something new. This charming and beautifully illustrated story gently explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the joy of discovery. It's a fantastic, non-preachy way to open a conversation with a 6 to 8 year old about the wonderful things that can happen when we step outside our comfort zone.
There are no significant sensitive topics. The core conflict is mild hunger and resistance to change. The approach is metaphorical and secular, with a resolution that is entirely hopeful and celebratory. The storm is a plot device, not a scary or traumatic event.
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Sign in to write a reviewThis book is perfect for a child aged 5 to 8 who is a picky eater or is generally hesitant about new experiences (like trying a new class, camp, or making new friends). It's for the child who thrives on routine and feels anxious when faced with the unfamiliar.
No parent prep is needed. The book can be read cold. Its message is straightforward, and the fantastical element of Lola's feathers changing color keeps it from feeling like a lecture. The vibrant illustrations do most of the work in conveying the positive outcome. The parent has just experienced another frustrating mealtime where their child refused to try a new food. They might have heard, "I don't like it!" before the food was even tasted, or they are feeling exhausted from making a very limited rotation of "safe" meals.
A younger child (5-6) will primarily enjoy the funny concept, Lola's stubbornness, and the visually stunning reveal of her rainbow feathers. An older child (7-8) will be more capable of understanding the broader metaphor: that trying new things, not just food, can make life more colorful and exciting.
The key differentiator is the tangible, visual reward for Lola's bravery. Unlike many books where the reward is an internal feeling of happiness, Lola's transformation is external and spectacular. Her feathers becoming a rainbow is a powerful and memorable visual that makes the benefit of trying new things feel magical and concrete.
Lola is a flamingo who is a very fussy eater: she will only eat shrimp. This diet keeps her feathers a lovely pink. When a big storm hits her lagoon, all the shrimp are washed away. Faced with hunger, and with encouragement from her friend, a pelican, Lola cautiously tries other foods like mango, kiwi, and dragon fruit. To her delight, she discovers she loves them, and her feathers transform into a beautiful, vibrant rainbow, reflecting her new, varied diet.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.