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

Friday 31 May 2024

Review: Granny Grommet And Me

This book is, quite simply, a treat.

‘My granny and her friends go to the beach, and I go too. When they hit the surf, they duck and dive and twist and turn. It looks like lots of fun.
But I don’t want to go in the water. There are strange things under the waves.’

Vibrant, quirky illustrations create the perfect accompaniment to an uplifting and important story, which every young child will resonate with on some level.

Told from a child’s point of view, this is the story of a littlie who is encouraged to confront fear and turn a scary experience into an exciting one. Indeed, the book allows children to travel through and overcome anxiety with the help of an assortment of Grandmas - who sport colourful wetsuits and kind, interested faces.

The ‘landscape’ shape of the book makes it feel extra special to hold and is perfect for housing the long, languid beach illustrations. Soft pastel is a wonderful medium for creating smudgy waves and vibrant blue skies, seagulls, life under the sea and terribly endearing Grandmas of all persuasions.

Granny Grommet And Me is so very engaging that young readers will be totally immersed. The natural problem-solving elements within the storyline will grow confidence in young readers, too. 

Inspired by a group of real Granny Grommets (surfing ladies from Western Australia), Granny Grommet And Me is the perfect addition to school and home libraries. It’s for children who love the beach, children with Grandmas, children who are sometimes anxious, and everyone who loves a story that makes them feel good all over.

This edition is a re-publishing of the CBCA shortlisted title, and it’s so worth adding to your regular rotation of picture books.


Title: Granny Grommet And Me
Author: Dianne Wolfer
Illustrator: Karen Blair
Publisher: Fremantle Press, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760993450
For Ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book