I recently shared the classic "Eloise" at @Noodlenuts_Classics along with my ambivalent feelings about its protagonist, despite my usual love of headstrong little girl characters. Recently, though, I think I've found the anti-Eloise, and a new love, in Loula, the central figure of author-illustrator Anne Villeneuve's "Loula is Leaving for Africa" (2013). As outspoken and outrageous as Eloise (and far more outraged), Loula is also clearly a very privileged little girl, as evidenced by her big house and her mother's chauffeur. But Loula is also very unhappy. Surrounded by troublesome brothers and disinterested parents, Loula longs for something more ... genuine connection. And what ensues, as she "runs away" with the help of Gilbert the chauffeur - who is not a mere servant in her eyes, but a beacon of true friendship - is a story about hope and faith and imagination. A beautiful story, and one that I suspect I'll revisit again. We're exploring stories that are imaginative, inspirational, and innovative this month with the RwR Book Club. Share your favourites with #findmestories_inspire and check out more great choices from our other book club members (see final slide). ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ #noodlenutskidsbooks #loulaisleavingforafrica #annevilleneuve #kidscanpress #runningaway #runningawayfromhome #headstrong #stronggirls #raisingstronggirls #femaleprotagonist #toughgirl #stubborngirl #raisinggirls #lonelykid #lonelychild #supportingkids #bookclub #readinglist #goodbook #canlit #canadianauthor #canadiankids https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gnXl1nsow/?igshid=1muvpzlnoo5c8
