'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 28 August 2010

Review: My Dad Thinks He's Funny

It's often the simplest, most 'normal' snippets from life that are the funniest (sorry, but even toilet humour works on so many levels) and author/illustrator duo Germein and Jellett do everyday simplicity oh so well in My Dad Thinks He's Funny.

We all know and love the jokester dad who comes up with an endless parade of tiresome quips that form the basis of our childhood. Tiresome perhaps, but also typical, classic and remembered with such warmth.

Yes, these quips are taken from generation to generation and it just about goes without saying that our kids will be saying them to their kids... and well beyond.

In My Dad Thinks He's Funny, a young lad puts up with Dad's hilarious reaction to everyday situations - he, for example, doesn't like babysitting. He doesn't think anyone should sit on babies. And he also doesn't lie in bed. He says you should always tell the truth.

Told with a beautiful rhythm, this clever and warm book is complemented perfectly with gorgeous illustrations featuring the most perfect facial expressions from both father and son (including a divine eye roll from the latter). Jellett's use of sketches on graph paper, charcoal, crayon and textured papers made this a visually splendid book that's sure to become a family favourite.

Ah, Dad. What would we do without him (quips notwithstanding)?

Title: My Dad Thinks He's Funny
Illustrator: Tom Jellett
Publisher: Black Dog Books, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: August 2010
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781742031217
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book