  | Lulu and the others : a true story Author: Schrefer, Eliot | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Lulu is like many people you know. She lives in a house with her mom, dad, and sister. She likes soda, hopscotch, and comic books. But there is one way Lulu is different, she's a bonobo. Being the bonobo in a human world can often be lonesome. And so, one day, Lulu and her family take a long boat ride to a jungle Lulu has never seen before. Now, she's surrounded by creatures with faces that look like hers and who make sounds like she does. But Lulu can't possibly be like these apes, can she?
| Illustrator: | Ford, AG |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/01/25)
School Library Journal (01/16/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 11/17/2025 Living with a loving human family, a bonobo named Lulu exists between two worlds in this lively picture book: she swings in trees and eats insects but also wears a yellow tee and uses the family toilet. After Lulu’s human sister goes to school, though, the lonely days pile up, and the family realizes that a change is necessary. The crew travels together to a jungle island that’s full of creatures like Lulu, but Lulu’s response is anything but accepting: "She was supposed to play with these... hairy... smelly... APES?!" writes Schrefer (the Ape Quartet), making his picture book debut. The other bonobos prove curious and eagerly welcoming of Lulu, though, and her perspective shifts as she teaches them sign language and even becomes their leader. And when another bonobo raised by humans arrives on the island, Lulu draws on her own experience and leads the welcoming party. Colored pencil and ink illustrations by Ford (I Love Your Face!) give a light anthropomorphized touch to images of Lulu moving from one home to another; the drawings portray wild, gregarious bonobo energy and tender, human-like gestures. Through Lulu’s journey, readers see how easy it is to both draw and blur lines of connection. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note discusses the real-life bonobo that inspired the story. Ages 4-8. (Feb.) - Copyright 2025
School Library Journal - 01/16/2026 PreS-Gr 3—Lulu lives with the only family she remembers, which are her human sister and her parents—though Lulu isn't a human girl but a bonobo, a species of great ape that is often described as a pygmy chimpanzee. Lulu lives like a human, with her own bed and bedroom, learning sign language to communicate with her family. One day, the family decides to take Lulu to an island to live with other bonobos. At first, Lulu is afraid and doesn't want to leave her human family, but she eventually learns to live like others of her species and even helps new bonobos adapt to life on the island. Based on a true story, this book gives young readers a peek into the life of animals who are returned to the wild and offers children an opportunity to empathize. The artwork depicts the bonobos adorably but realistically. This is an excellent book for conversations with children about how wild animals should not become pets but be left to their natural surroundings and habitats. VERDICT A nonfiction/fiction mashup that will make a good addition to any library's picture book collection, particularly those needing titles about wildlife conservation.—Debbie Tanner - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
