Right, let's talk about Lottie Brooks. If you've got a kid who's already devoured eight books about this wonderfully chaotic teenager, you're probably wondering if book nine — The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks — is worth adding to the pile. We picked up our copy for £7.49 and settled in to see if the ninth instalment could keep up the momentum that's made this series such a hit with young readers.
Here's the thing about ongoing diary series — they can either feel fresh and exciting, or start to repeat the same formula until you're basically reading the literary equivalent of a sitcom that's gone on three seasons too long. So does Lottie's latest adventure manage to stay genuinely funny and relatable, or are we starting to see the cracks? Let's dive in.
Without spoiling too much, this ninth book follows Lottie on what she hopes will be her most epic holiday yet. The diary format that's worked so well throughout the series continues here — we get Lottie's inner monologue, her hilariously dramatic takes on everyday situations, and those brilliant little doodles and lists that make these books feel like you're actually reading someone's private diary.
The writing still captures that perfect sweet spot of being genuinely funny for adults while staying completely relatable for the target audience of roughly 9-13 year olds. We found ourselves chuckling at Lottie's observations about family dynamics and holiday disasters — the kind of stuff that rings true whether you're remembering your own teenage years or watching your kids navigate theirs.
This was our biggest question going in, and honestly, we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, Lottie is still Lottie — dramatic, funny, occasionally cringeworthy in that perfectly teenage way. But the holiday setting gives the story enough of a different backdrop that it doesn't feel like we're just retreading old ground.
The situations feel fresh even if the character voice is familiar. It's like catching up with an old friend — you know what to expect, but they've still got new stories to tell. Our colleague's 11-year-old daughter, who's been following the series religiously, said this one made her laugh out loud on the bus, which is probably the highest praise you can get from that age group.
Here's where things get a bit tricky. While you could technically jump into this book without reading the previous eight, you'd be missing a lot of context about Lottie's relationships, her family dynamics, and the running jokes that make the series so engaging. It's clearly written for fans who've been following along, not as an entry point for new readers.
That said, if your child is already invested in Lottie's world, this book delivers exactly what they're hoping for — more of the same energy and humour that made them fans in the first place.
This is perfect for kids who've already fallen down the Lottie Brooks rabbit hole and need their next fix. Parents looking for something to bridge the gap between picture books and more mature young adult fiction will find this hits the sweet spot nicely. And honestly, if you're an adult who enjoys middle-grade fiction with genuine heart and humour, you could do a lot worse for a light, entertaining read.
If your kid is already a Lottie Brooks fan, this delivers exactly what they want — more laughs, more drama, and more of that perfectly chaotic teenage energy. It's not revolutionary, but it doesn't need to be. Sometimes you just want more of a good thing, and this book provides that in spades.
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