The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story

Weiss, Ellen and Jerry Smath. The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story. Illustrated by jerry Smith. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 2010. ISBN: 9780810940666

The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story is about Lola a shrew who lived at the edge of West Meadow. Everytime Lola didn't want something that her parents did want, she had a fit. Lola always got her way because her parents did not want to fight with her. One day at dinner, Lola's parents made an announcement that her cousin Lester from the East Meadow was going to stay with them for awhile. Lola had four hundred and twenty-three cousins but had never met Lester. Eventually, she gave in. Lester was just like Lola, if he didnt want something such as spider pie, he would not eat it. Both Lola and Lester got into a screaming fight because Lola said that she was the only one that could talk like that in her family. After awhile their voices began to get tired although they began to fight again over which bed to sleep in and what to do the next day. The family then left them at the house to go on a picnic. Lola and Lester started to get hungry and Lola began to realize something very important. I really enjoyed reading the book The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story because it takes me back to when my brother and I constantly fought about silly things. The story also has a very important point to it saying that its not fun to fight and you miss out on some very important things. Plus the story had GREAT pictures! That really brought the whole book together. The age that would benefit from the story The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story would be seven year olds. The story teaches them how to not fight because you can miss some important things in life. Starting out young is the best way for kids not to be so selfish and learn that peace is better than fighting.

S.C., St. Pius X School, 7th grade