Granny's Place by Allison Paterson
![cover image](https://www.readplus.com.au/covers/grannysplace.jpg)
Ill. by Shane McGrath. Big Sky Publishing. ISBN 9781925275636
(Age: 4-6) Highly recommended. Themes: Grandparents; Family Life;
Australia - Social Life and Customs - Twentieth Century. Granny's
Place is a nostalgic story that celebrates the loving relationship
between a young girl and her grandparents. Memorable visits to the
family farm are beautifully described; the simple joys of bouncing
on the springy beds, sharing freshly baked bickies and cakes around
the wooden kitchen table and stamping through carpets of pine
needles. Packing up the farm and moving to the city after Pa's
passing, brings new challenges. When Granny's welcomes the family to
her purpose-built red brick bungalow, the mood changes, no pine
needles, ducks, hens or geese, no shrieking metal gates. Granny's
love is constant, she still bakes for her family and welcomes her
grandchildren.
Shane McGrath's engaging illustrations encapsulate rural and city
life in the 1960's. The evocative narrative is enlivened by the
earthy palette of greens, reds and browns, energetic characters,
detailed vignettes and large sweeps of white space that focus the
eye. Take time to explore in the old mudbrick farmhouse, there's
Pa's World War 1 memorabilia, the old pump organ ready to be played
and treasures hidden in old suitcases.
Alison Paterson's sensory descriptions bring these warm memories to
life. This is a delightful picture book to share with grandparents
and great grandparents. A great resource for the Early Years History
and Social Sciences, comparing how family life and places change
over time.
Rhyllis Bignell