I was on a book date at Crossword when my friend Jose suddenly pulled me toward the children’s section. He knew how much I loved dogs, and it reminded him of this special book he had read some time ago. He searched everywhere, but unfortunately, it wasn’t there. I couldn’t help but laugh. We were two grown adults, searching for a picture book like excited kids. Months later, I finally got my hands on it. And let me tell you, it was one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read.
At first, Lola and I seems like a simple story about a young girl and her dog. But as you turn the pages, you realize it’s much more than that. It’s a story of friendship, hope, and resilience.
The book takes us on a journey through Lola’s life, told from a very unique perspective. Lola is shown to be a scared creature, unwilling to step out into the world because of her blindness. But with the help of the narrator, who adopts her, she slowly finds happiness again. Their bond grows stronger as they learn to navigate life together.
“As we waited for the train to take us home, Lola told me it had been the most wonderful day of her life, not because of the smell of the sea or the wind on her face, or the warm sun on her skin, but because I was there to share it with her.”
The story flows smoothly, capturing the beauty of simple, everyday moments: a walk in the park, ice cream on a warm day, splashing in the sea, and cozy Saturday nights with pizza on the couch. These little joys make up their world, a world where happiness is found in the smallest details. It’s not just a book about overcoming challenges; it’s about the power of friendship and the little moments that make life special.
The dreamy watercolor artwork by Paolo Domeniconi adds so much depth to the emotions in the story, making it even more heartfelt.
This book beautifully helps children understand that disabilities are just one part of life and that everyone deserves love and happiness.
At first, I wondered, Am I too old for this? But by the end, I realized an important lesson: empathy has no age. A book like Lola and I isn’t just for kids. It’s for anyone who loves a deeply emotional and meaningful story. It’s a book that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Read it once, then read it again, you’ll see it in a whole new light.
I’ll give it a ⭐ 9/10.
