These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Katie Kirby - Author
A humorous diary novel about starting a new school, managing friendship changes and feeling self-conscious while family life also shifts. Drawings and comic mishaps give Lottie’s worries a light, accessible presentation.
New schoolThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.ReinventionThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.FriendshipThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.
Consider
Social conflictRelationships and intimacyFamily disruption
Personalised Fit
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new schoolreinventionfriendshipauthenticitybodily developmentcrushessocial embarrassmenthumourpregnancysiblingsparentslife transitions
FictionIllustrated book
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Themes in Context
Belonging and self-presentation
Lottie tries to reinvent herself after moving schools without her best friend, while forming a new friendship and entering difficult social circles.AmbiguousAmbiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.Ambiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.
How the book presents it: The situation invites reflection on whether changing oneself helps with belonging and whether a more genuine voice emerges.
Talk about: Does Lottie become more comfortable by performing a new identity, by being herself, or through both?
Embarrassment and growing up
Lottie worries about bodily changes, experiences a crush and faces comic incidents including school mishaps and an embarrassing dance.NormalisedA short description of how the book presents this theme.A short description of how the book presents this theme.
How the book presents it: The book treats awkwardness and early adolescent concerns as recognisable experiences, usually through humour rather than solemnity.
Talk about: Which moments help make embarrassment manageable, and are any jokes less comfortable than others?
Family change and unexpected responsibility
Lottie’s mother is pregnant, her younger brother irritates her, and the family welcomes a baby sister during the story.Provisional readingProvisional: the reviewed evidence does not establish how the book treats this theme. The evidence gap is listed under Confidence & Basis.Provisional: the reviewed evidence does not establish how the book treats this theme. The evidence gap is listed under Confidence & Basis.
Talk about: How does Lottie respond to becoming a big sister, and does the family change bring support as well as embarrassment?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may offer a reassuring way to discuss belonging, changing plans and authenticity, especially when a child feels embarrassed or uncertain. The comic voice keeps difficult social moments from becoming wholly bleak.
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What Deserves Attention
Consider whether these topics suit your child’s current conversations.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Lottie’s wish to reinvent herself affect her friendships, and does the story suggest that fitting in and being genuine can coexist? Which embarrassing moments feel funny, uncomfortable or familiar?
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Reading Approach
If bodily changes or pregnancy prompt questions, answer plainly and let the child lead. Afterwards, compare Lottie’s planned and unplanned responses to school and friendship problems without treating embarrassment as a personal failing.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Belonging and self-presentation: The ending’s exact emotional resolution and the lasting effects on each friendship are not fully established.
Embarrassment and growing up: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Family change and unexpected responsibility: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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