So Who’s Behind Lola’s Adventures?
That’s me!! Hello, my name is Kathy Urban. I am a mum to three beautiful children, a happy wife, journalist and now a children‘s book author, too !
Hop Lola Hop is my first picture book and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it!
Many many moons ago, it was my dad who told me stories about the adventures of baby giraffe and her life in the African Savannah at bedtime.
The little girl that I was back then absolutely loved listening to them, which by the way did not come from a book – my dad made them up.
Storytelling in whatever form or shape it is performed, is a powerful tool to inspire children to use their imagination.
Moreover it helps to instil a lifelong love of reading, writing and learning.
As a journalist, I read and write a lot about things that are happening in the world. I love my job, but writing about grown-up stuff for grown-ups is very different …
… This may well be a reason why I still enjoy children’s books so much. They offer a different way of looking at things. You can delve into fantastical worlds and let the imagination run wild. At the same time they allow you to pause for a moment, reminding you to take delight in the small every day things, those tiny adventures our children enjoy very much - and which some of us may indeed remember from our own childhood. I certainly do!
I read to my children E-V-E-R-Y single night – we read stories about tractors and dinosaurs, brave paperbag princesses and fairytale hairdressers, books about the oceans, the snail that travelled on the back of a grey humpback whale and of course stories about a bear called Paddington. Often we read them many times over …
… and sometimes, when there’s no book at hand, I will make up stories - about dragons in tutus or mermaids travelling to the moon.
Arguably, I have had more experience reading children’s stories than writing them. But Lola’s adventures were simply too much fun to keep them to ourselves … so a few years ago, I sat down and started working on the first draft of Lola, a curious little toy bunny, who loves to Hop! Hop! Hop!
Say Hello to Ella & Lola’s Illustrator - Siski Kalla
Born in London, Siski has lived in various countries and currently resides in Chile with her family of humans and dogs. Painting watercolours gives her the same joy as swimming, eating scones with jam or swinging in a hammock.
She is largely self-taught, having taken a handful of watercolour and illustration courses over the years. More than anything, Siski loves children's books. She would eat them if she could. But they don’t taste as good as scones.
Who’s Lola …
Did you know the story of Lola is based on real events? Yes, there really is a toy bunny named Lola and she lives with us.
Lola used to come with us everywhere - out on walks, on trips to the supermarket, holidays and once or twice she managed to sneak into the nursery bag too.
Then – sometimes – she’d go missing.
I am sure many parents will have faced the lost toy dilemma, and we’ve all found ways to handle it.
Ours was this: Whilst an active search ensued for real Lola (without any indication what the outcome may be), I would tell my daughter what amazing adventures her little bunny might be on right now.
There’s much to be said about the bond between a child and their favourite stuffy toy, and I like to think the stories made our girl feel a little less upset.
Lola looks a bit tatty these days and doesn’t hop away as much anymore. She’s had a few makeovers too– the nose needed restitching once, the fabric on her paws and ears have also been replaced and a black mark across her face reminds of a previous run in with a permanent marker.
But that’s ok, because in our family there’s only ever been ONE Lola – and she continues to hold a very special place in my daughter’s heart.
With Hop Lola Hop, our toy bunny’s adventures take on a life of their own. Lola still is a stuffy toy, but she’s alive, curious, fun loving and caring - AND she shares a very special bond with her human friend Ella.
We’re so excited to finally share Lola’s story with you.
And How about Ella?
‘Even though Lola was a bunny and Ella was a little girl, Lola found that she and Ella got on perfectly well ... ‘ (Hop Lola Hop)
Unlike Lola, Ella isn’t based on a single person. Instead her character has been inspired by all those adventurous, wildly imaginative and passionate little girls and boys I have come to know over the years.
There are many MANY Ella’s in this world and they come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes (but not always) with red piggy tails.
They are so much fun and any toy bunny would love to be their friend.
Hop Lola Hop is Lola’s story, but Ella is very much a central character. She cares deeply for her beloved toy bunny and fully deserves her place in this book.
There’s a letter Ella has written for you, which can be found right at the beginning of the book. Did you like it?
Let us know if you enjoyed Hop Lola Hop. Share your thoughts here or leave us a review on Amazon.