How to Babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish
| How to Babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Ruth Ng
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| Summary: A fun 'how to' book for children, especially those who are just about to face their first babysitting adventure! | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: September 2013 |
| Publisher: Hodder Children's Books | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1444915884 | |
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It's very important to know how to babysit your grandad. You'll need to know what he likes to eat (Icecream topped with cookies or anything dipped in ketchup!) You'll also need to know how to keep him entertained (somersault across the room!) In case you've ever wondered about the best ways to look after your grandad then this is the book for you!
I really like the style of this book which mimics grown-up how to books with a little friendly chat about spending time with your grandad and then other useful sections such as what to do on a walk where we're told to step over pavement cracks. Look for lizards, cool rocks, and dandelion puffs. If there's a puddle or a sprinkler, show him what to do. Of course you grown ups will know that it's obviously grandad who has come along to babysit the little boy, but children will delight in the idea of it being the other way around, and will enjoy all the fun activities that the two of them get up to together whilst being babysat!
The illustrations are integral to the story really, and I like the gentle-looking grandad and the sweet-smiling boy. There are funny pictures throughout, although I particularly like the one of grandad all wrapped up warm ready to go outside since he's wearing many layers, several scarves and at least 3 hats! We see through the pictures too that grandad is more than willing to join in with all the exciting things going on, so he's marching around playing a kazoo, and crawling into a pirate cave under the coffee table as well as, of course, taking a little nap whilst the boy draws some pictures for his fridge. Of course, the napping leads to a set of instructions on how to wake up your grandad... poor grandad!
It's a rather sweet little tale, and I liked grandad's wobbly lipped smile at the end, suggesting he's had a really lovely time with his grandson. The story is useful for introducing the idea of babysitting to those who aren't yet familiar with the idea! It makes it seem fun, and doesn't emphasise the parents going out but rather than exciting things that happen whilst they're not there. And even if you don't have a willing grandad local enough to help you out, you can still enjoy this story together and think about how much fun it would be if you did get to babysit your grandad! Recommended for older toddlers.
Another story about babysitting that you might like to try is No Babysitters Allowed by Amber Stewart and Laura Rankin
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You can read more book reviews or buy How to Babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy How to Babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish at Amazon.com.
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