Fighting the wicked step-mother label

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Publication title: Horowhenua Chronicle

Author Gina Bartlett, a step-mother of two young girls, introduces Lulu La Ru and shares her hilarious adventures as she rides the crazy, up-and-down rollercoaster of family life

We asked Gina some questions:

Tell us a little about Lulu La Ru Steps Up As A Step-Mum

It’s a collection of quirky, humorous stories that offer a refreshing take on families with step-mums. Written from the perspective of the fun, sassy character, Lulu La Ru, the book takes readers on a journey through the challenges she faces and lessons she learns as she embraces her new role as a step-mum. The narrative follows Lulu La Ru as she navigates the unpredictable world of family life, making it up as she goes along — often with hilarious results.

The book challenges stereotypes surrounding step-mums, offering a humorous perspective on the daily adventures of family dynamics. Unlike traditional narratives about blended families, or step-mums in particular, the focus here is not on the differences but on highlighting the universal aspects of family life. Growing up with influences such as Dr Seuss and Pam Ayres and drawing inspiration from a grandfather with a penchant for limericks, Lulu La Ru is crafted in a fun, rhyming style.

What inspired you to write this book? How much is it influenced by your own life?

The book was a passion project for my family and stems from my own experiences of becoming a step-mum, infusing authenticity into the characters and situations depicted in the book. My experiences echo that of Lulu La Ru’s journey as I too was once a childless, successful, professional woman whose life took a profound turn upon embracing the role of step-mum. I experienced first-hand my step-daughters’ bewilderment at how step-mums in movies or children’s literature were always the mean, wicked party when their reality was the opposite. As many children live in this...