A girl experiments with careers and loves them all.In prior book Lola Dutch (2018), the narrative voice classified Lola's exuberant personality as "too much"; this time it's her career aspirations. Fortunately, after opening with the same chiding tone ("This is Lola. Lola Dutch. Lola Dutch wants to be too much"), the narration drops the judgment, and Lola goes to town, sampling careers to her heart's content. She's an opera singer! Inventor! Botanist! Each requires copious assistancefor example, "Gator built the set. Pig composed the orchestrations. Crane designed the costumes"depicted in vignettes, after which readers see a full-bleed double-page spread of accomplishment: Lola onstage belting opera or Lola perching in an I'm-the-king-of-the-world pose in the nose of her old-fashioned, mildly steampunk flying ship. Other careers fly by more quickly in spot illustrations: astronaut, pastry chef, veterinarian, chemist. Visual references to Vermeer and Leonardo will tickle adults. Ever present is Lola's steady guardian, Bear, who's ungendered, wears a yellow bow tie, and seems to lack feet (to no mobility detriment). The pencil, gouache, and watercolor illustrations are airy and cheerful. Lola, a tall, skinny white girl, is supposedly facing a quandary herewhat to be when she grows upbut her career explorations and boundless energy are exciting, not stressful.Breezily enthusiastic. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In this charming follow-up to Lola Dutch (2018), Lola decides that choosing what she's going to be when she's older is of utmost importance. Her pal Bear's den has books about many possibilities, and the ensuing scenarios introduce Lola and readers to a wide variety of prospects. Perhaps opera singer! With some friends, they design elaborate costumes, a set, and even orchestrate a Lola-starring performance. Yet inventor is equally intriguing, and as the group follows steps, researches, and experiments, Lola's imagination . . . soared! But there's also botanist, Egyptologist, pastry chef, and more, and before long, Lola's almost overwhelmed. But perhaps, for now, she can just enjoy learning and having fun. Enchanting pencil, gouache, and watercolor illustrations depict spirited Lola, her anthropomorphized animal companions, and their activities with whimsical details throughout. From arts to sciences, Lola's experiences convey a sense of various endeavors, as well as the joys of inspiration and discovering new interests. A joyous celebration of possibility with a heartening message about just enjoying the process as well.--Shelle Rosenfeld Copyright 2019 Booklist