
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling to accept a new family structure, particularly if the child is clinging to the hope that their original parents might reunite. This story follows Lulu, a funny and spirited young girl, as she travels to Hawaii to attend her father's second wedding. While the tropical setting provides adventure and humor, the heart of the book explores Lulu's secret plan to sabotage the wedding and bring her parents back together. It is an ideal choice for children ages 8 to 12 who need to see their complex feelings about remarriage and blended families normalized. Parents will appreciate how the book balances lighthearted comedy with the poignant, realistic process of letting go and finding a new sense of belonging in a modern family.
The book deals directly and realistically with divorce and remarriage. Lulu's grief over her parents' separation is presented as valid and ongoing. The approach is secular and contemporary. The resolution is realistic rather than magical; Lulu must accept that her parents are not getting back together, but the ending remains hopeful as she begins to form a genuine bond with her future stepmother.
An 8 to 11 year old child who is experiencing the 'Parent Trap' fantasy. Specifically, a child who feels like a traitor to one parent if they enjoy spending time with the other's new partner.
No specific scenes require censoring, but parents should be prepared to discuss Lulu's 'sabotage' attempts. It is helpful to read this alongside a child to reinforce that while Lulu's feelings are okay, her methods of acting out are part of her growing process. A parent might see their child being unusually stubborn or disruptive about an upcoming wedding or family event, or perhaps they hear their child asking leading questions about why Mom and Dad can't just try again.
Younger readers will enjoy the slapstick humor and the Hawaiian travelogue. Older readers will more deeply identify with the internal tug-of-war between wanting a parent's happiness and wanting the original family unit back.
Unlike many 'divorce' books that focus on the immediate split, this highlights the second wave of grief that often hits when a parent officially moves on through remarriage, handled with a perfect blend of humor and heart.
Lulu is traveling from her home to Honolulu to be the flower girl in her father's wedding to a woman named Ginger. Lulu is not interested in being a flower girl; instead, she is focused on her 'Big Plan' to reunite her divorced parents. Throughout the trip, Lulu navigates the beauty of Hawaii, the frustration of her father's new life, and the realization that her plan might not be what is best for anyone.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review