A sweet story which encourages children to help others.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Jacqueline Harvey is an Australian children’s author known for her Alice-Miranda and Clementine series, as well as the picture book That Cat. She taught at a girl’s boarding school but now writes full time. Harvey has sold almost two million books all over the world and won numerous awards.
Willa and Woof: Grandparents for Hire is the third book in her new Willa and Woof series.
The series follows the life of Willa who lives in Cricklewood Crescent, next to Sunset Views, a retirement village. Her best friend Tae lives across the road. Willa’s best old-age friend is Frank who lives next door in the village. There is a connecting gate in the fence which helps with her almost daily visits to Frank. Woof is an albino Irish wolfhound. He is her best four-legged friend. Willa feels it is her duty to help cheer up the residents of the retirement village.
In Grandparents for Hire, Willa, who is in Year Three at school, is concerned about the upcoming grandparents’ day at school. Many of the children are upset because they do not have a grandparent to invite, their grandparents are busy, or they live overseas. Willa of course has a plan that involves the residents of the retirement village and could also raise money so the residents can continue going on their outings.
As usual there are other things that need Willa’s attention. Why does Woof keep escaping from home and where does he go? And how can she cheer up Frank who is unable to attend his granddaughter’s special day in England?
Once again, this short novel is perfect for children aged between five and 10. Each chapter is the perfect length for one sitting at bedtime, or for the child to read by themselves and not be daunted by overlong chapters. The pink front cover has a lovely picture of Willa with her koala notebook and pen, and Woof eating a sandwich, a nod to his escapades in the story. He also looks a little guilty!
The black-and-white illustrations scattered throughout the book add to the text. The picture of Mrs Wilson, the big boss of the retirement village showing her “caterpillar eyebrows” nicknamed Hilda and Bert by Willa is very funny.
Just like the two books before this one, Willa and Woof: Grandparents for Hire is a gentle story about a little girl who is thoughtful, kind, and a good friend. She always wants to help others. Willa sees the good in everyone and it may just encourage the reader to go out and do the same.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not necessarily of Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: January 2023
RRP: $12.99
