Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 20 Aug 2026

Pudding NOW Please (with Lotta & Lola) by Lauren Child

Lauren Child, the 2017 Children’s Laureate, is back with her new story for very young children, Pudding NOW Please. It’s hard to believe that her famous pairing of Charlie and Lola are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year after spawning sales of over 10 million copies worldwide. But this time Charlie’s role is to introduce us to Lola’s best friend, Lotta who shares centre stage.

The simple story this time revolves around how the two not-quite-four-year-olds get to grips with issues of social etiquette, including politeness, manners, gratitude apologies and when you need to welcome people with an inclusive ‘hello’ and when you need to say goodbye to anyone leaving your company.

So, what is the inspiration for this new series of Lola and Lotta books? The author says this of her creation:

“These new books focus on friendship and communication: the conversations, the giggles and the imagination. I felt these two kindergarten girls deserved their own stories.”

Being aimed at the very young reader, these books, including Pudding NOW Please, are essentially designed to be shared between parent/carer and the child. Lauren Child speaks passionately about her belief in the value of sharing picture books of this kind:

“Sharing picture books with a young child is about far more than just the text; it is an intimate time for questioning, pointing things out, and discussing ideas. This builds a vital connection, confidence and understanding.” 

All this only works if the book – the story and the artwork – are genuinely engaging and with Lauren Child you are always in safe hands as far as both of these are concerned. This is a large-sized, generous book with a dazzling use of colour but always in the context of uncluttered simplicity. Lola and Lotta are a big presence on the page and the text on the page is playful and playfully situated.

If you know Lauren Child’s work you’ll immediately recognise this as a vintage example of her firing on all cylinders.

A triumph.

Available now from Simon and Schuster, you’ll be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop – who will, of course, be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves.

 

Terry Potter

August 2026