Follow our Christmas Blog Tour over on Instagram with daily reviews posted throughout the week.

the ending is just as sweet as the beginning and it’s a heartwarming Christmas story your children will remember for years to come

This is one of the sweetest Christmas stories we read this year @thekidsbookstagrammer

Siski's illustrations just get more delightful with each new book. You're instantly swept into a wintery wonderland, spellbound by the enchantment of all the festive season has to offer. Mine and Floss's favourite spread is the one looking into the toy shop window.

"A storyline that totally tugs on your heartstrings" - @busy_busy_learning

Lovely illustrations enliven a sweet-spirited, holiday-oriented tale about limitless love for young children.

In Urban’s third children’s book in a series, a toy bunny worries that her human best friend’s new Christmas gift will replace her.

Very young children often use their imaginations to imbue their toys with life. In this tender tale, a cuddly toy bunny named Lola has a rich life of her own, while also being a close friend to her beloved human companion, Ella. It’s almost Christmas, and Lola is helping Ella decorate the house and is looking forward to the fun the two will have during the holidays: that is, until Ella sees a doll with “the loveliest smile…dazzling in its velvety blue dress.” After that, Ella seems to be so eager to welcome the new doll—which she hopes to receive from Father Christmas—that she won’t have any time to play with Lola. This is the latest book in Urban’s delightful series about Lola and Ella, following Hop Lola Hop (2022) and Hop Lola Hop: A Yummy Market Day Adventure (2023), and it’s the first with a holiday theme. In this book, the protagonist, convinced that the new toy will take her place in Ella’s affections, relatably looks for somewhere to belong. After an adventure that includes a rehearsal of a children’s Christmas play and an encounter with a certain jolly fellow and his flying reindeer, Lola realizes that “there [will] always be room for her by Ella’s side” and in her heart—a message that will reassure children who may be in a similar situation with the arrival of a new sibling. Watercolorist Kalla’s soft-hued full-page and vignette images, all in full color, reflect the gentle warmth of the narrative.

Lovely illustrations enliven a sweet-spirited, holiday-oriented tale about limitless love for young children.

BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite

Hop Lola Hop: A Magical Christmas Adventure written by Kathy Urban with illustrations by Siski Kalla is a delightful children’s picture book with an uplifting message about friendship, family, and belonging. Lola is young Ella's well-loved toy bunny. As Christmas approaches, little Lola fears that she may be replaced by a newer and highly anticipated toy. Lola sets out on a solo journey that leads to some surprising experiences. In Lola's absence, Ella begins to realize how much she misses and appreciates Lola and all the fun that they enjoy together. Will Lola and Ella understand the great capacity they each have to love one another as well as others? Beautiful and richly detailed illustrations convey the warmth of this heartwarming story.

Hop Lola Hop: A Magical Christmas Adventure by Kathy Urban shares an enjoyable story that many young readers will relate to. Just as Lola is concerned that she may be overlooked once a new toy arrives, children may also experience this feeling when there is a new addition to the family or classroom. Lola's and Ella’s experiences positively demonstrate to children how they are always able to expand their circle of friends and family, and how they will continue to be important, valued, and loved. Lovely illustrations depict the changing emotions felt by the endearing and lovable Ella and Lola and will encourage children as they learn how changes may strengthen relationships. This engaging story is a comforting and cozy tale for the holiday season and is a highly recommended read.