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

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Review: What's the Matter Aunty May?

What's the matter Aunty May indeed! If I was Aunty May, I would need a stiff drink and a lie down after this young chap's visit!

He is not a nasty boy. Oh no. He is just trying to help is Aunt with a spot of cleaning. Think Denis the Menace with a dustpan and broom. He means well but things just don't seem to go to plan.

I guess you could call our little friend an optimist of the highest order. "I have some questions, Aunty May. Why did you shout at me today?" He says, sitting crossed legged, casually sipping on a cup of tea, wearing a jaunty little bow tie.

He starts to go over the day to try and figure out why his Aunt might be cranky, but all he did was help her clean ...

"Was it when I began to sweep the floor ... and I knocked the broom through your screen door? Or are you sad about your cat, whom you left snoozing on the mat? I only tripped and spilt red ink, but red ink fades quite soon to pink."

Cut to a brightly dyed red cat sitting on Aunty May's head. Little red paw prints all the way up to the top.

Our clumsy little friend goes on through the house and as he does, Aunty May's face seems to sag lower and lower in despair.

Even though poor Aunty May might need a little bit of a holiday after his visit, you can't help but smile at his upbeat attitude to life and big clumsy heart.

A really fun read with fabulous illustrations.

Title: What's the Matter Aunty May?
Author: Peter Friend
Illustrator: Andrew Joyner
Publisher: Little Hare Books, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1st March 2012
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781921714535
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book