Wild Pa by Claire Saxby
Ill. by Connah Brecon. Random House Australia, 2016. ISBN
9780857988003
My Pa is not a quiet Pa,
a sit-and-read-the-news Pa.
My Pa is a Wild Pa -
and Wild Pas are lots of fun
Indeed they are as they chase their grandsons through the dunes in
full pirate garb; grow peas in crazy shapes; cook up spectacular
meals; and even indulge in a full-on food fight. Not for this
grandfather the conventional "comb-his-three-long-strands" pa; the
"trim-and-tidy-roses" pa; or even the traditional baked beans or
sausages, But for all his fun and games, this pa is nevertheless
responsible and knows "when enough is quite enough".
This is an hilarious romp written in rhyme that leaps off the pages
with its actions and colourful illustrations. Right from the front
cover which depicts Pa and grandson swinging Tarzan-like across the
crocodile-infested pond you know this will be a story of fun and
frolics that will engage young readers from the get-go. Pa is
cleverly depicted as just an adult version of his younger relative,
distinguished only by a somewhat dodgy moustache and beard,
emphasising the role model he is offering both as a grandfather but
also a caring family member. The endpapers are delightful - from
swinging on a somewhat worse-for-wear clothesline to the suggestion
that perhaps they are now in the doghouse!!
Many schools now celebrate Grandparents Day and this titles like Miss
Mae's Saturday would be perfect as part of a display about
grandparents that could be shared on this day - or as part of a
special selection in a Book Fair. Young children will delight in
telling their own stories about their own grandfathers (who are no
more the stereotypical white-haired chap in a cardigan and slippers
than the grey-haired, bun wearing grandmother sitting in her chair
knitting) and will begin to understand the family structure as they
do. Sometimes they are a whole lot of fun with a lot of wild
ideas!!!
Barbara Braxton