Grandpa Versus Swing

This winner of the Storylines Joy Cowley Award is a story about a very competitive Grandpa, who always wants to be first and best. He also enjoys playing and competing with his grandchildren and sometimes thinks he’s still a teenager. But his antics come unstuck when he leaps into the baby swing and then can’t get out. Grandpa tries everything to get free of the swing while the children roll around laughing. Panic sets in when Grandma yells, “Dinner!’

Lael Chisholm’s bright illustrations superbly capture Grandpa’s personality and the delight of his grandchildren. Children will identify with their barely suppressed giggles that soon erupt into raucous laughter.

The text has a lilting rhythm with a lot of rhyme. It is fun to read aloud and readers will giggle at poor Grandad with his stuck bottom. This could be a good opportunity to ask: How would you rescue Grandad? Grandma breaks away from stereotypes and comes to the rescue with the tool box.

Title: Grandpa Versus Swing

Author: Tania Sickling

Illustrator: Lael Chisholm

Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 9781775436751

RRP: $19.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: August 2021

Ages: 3-8

Themes: family fun, joy, problem-solving

Advisory warnings: none

Would this book work as a read aloud? yes

Is there a particular part of the country it’s set in? no

Reviewer: Nova Gibson, Library Manager, Massey Primary School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening Sentence: The thing about Grandpa which you’d never guess from the way that he talks or his manner of dress, is he’s mad for a contest.

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