Each of the Lily Lapp books has been better than the previous one, and this is no exception. I read it in one evening, resting on the couch in front of the fire, enjoying a book as cozy as my surroundings.
Lily Lapp, now eleven years old, is growing up. She still gets into trouble, however, and the book begins with Lily and her cousin Hannah, both non-swimmers, rowing a boat into the middle of a pond and falling out. Lily’s life goes on from there, full of unpredictable adventures. At school, Effie Kaufman is as bothersome as ever, a new family moves in, and a new teacher brings unexpected upheaval into Lily’s world.
A Surprise for Lily is full of both exciting events and everyday life, from illness, bears, a 100-year-old Indian, and a new dog, to visits with relatives and lots of time with Grandma.
Although it is not preachy in any way, Lily’s happy family, caring community, and maturing outlook will inspire every reader, young or old.
Our family loves the Lily Lapp books, and I think all girls aged 8-12+ and boys aged 8-11 will enjoy A Surprise for Lily. The earlier books in the Lily Lapp series would appeal equally to boys and girls, but as Lily gets older I think girls will like her adventures more…even though there are plenty of adventures that will appeal to boys as well.
Although this is the fourth book in a series, I think it could stand alone. But who wouldn’t want to read the entire series? I highly recommend getting all the Lily Lapp books for your family and encouraging your library to buy them for the children in your community.
To find out more, you can read my reviews of the earlier Lily Lapp books or visit the Lily Lapp website.
This is yet another book in the in the 2013 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge and is also linked to Saturday Reviews.
Disclosure: This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.