THERE’S a spunky senior citizen who was a family favourite when it was story time in our household nearly 15 years ago.
Grandma McGarvey is a fun-filled nana who’s always experiencing new adventures and Jenny Hessell’s latest story, Grandma McGarvey and the Puddle Street Gang, shows this feisty grey-haired woman still has what it takes.
In fact, she has been transforming everyday activities into fun and frivolity for pre-school readers for more than 20 years.
In Grandma McGarvey’s latest episode, Hessell takes her character on a journey to the local retirement home, Lavender Days Old Folks Home.
An austere matron is determined the oldies don’t have much fun but Grandma McGarvey is soon perking them up with recollections of mischievous days with her old neighbourhood mates, the Puddle Street Gang.
With rhyme Hessell describes the antics and Lavender Days’ old folks are transformed from depression to illicit glee.
Trevor Pye’s illustrations make the residents’ memories reality, depicting delicious custard-pie treats and energetic street battles. The custard grenade instructions may well inspire some cheeky children.
While this story may shock the politically correct, Grandma McGarvey is all about pushing the boundaries and innocent fun.
Her latest adventure will be a favourite for grandparents to share with youngsters and the story may help littlies understand that retirement-home residents once had exciting childhood escapades.
If I still had pre-schoolers, I know they would love sharing another Grandma McGarvey crazy crusade.
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