Granny Grommet and Me (Dianne Wolfer, illus by Karen Blair, Walker Books

Thursday, 11 October 2012 Unlocked content from the archive. Books+Publishing

When you think of the word ‘grommet’ (a young and/or inexperienced surfer), a sprightly grandma doesn’t exactly come to mind, and yet on the cover of this picture book, there’s a sweet old lady resplendent in a red and white stripey swimsuit, holding onto a surfboard. A young child, possibly her grandchild, is at her side, with a dog following at their heels. Granny hangs out on the beach with her similarly aged friends and together they fearlessly crest the waves and snorkel underneath them. (‘Jann twists and turns, Doris ducks and dives, Zelda zooms through a dumper.’) However, the child (the ambiguity of Karen Blair’s illustrations means that it could be of either sex) holds back, sitting on the shore with a faithful canine friend, scared to enter the water. Bit by bit, and with lots of gentle coaxing, the little one is made to realise that the sea is like a great, big rock pool, with lots of wonderful creatures living there. Dianne Wolfer’s words are simple and beautifully matched by Blair’s expansive pastel seascapes. An encouraging book not only for reluctant swimmers, but for any child afraid of trying new experiences. Granny Grommet and Me is suitable for younger primary school readers

Thuy On is a Melbourne-based critic, editor and manuscript assessor

Category: Reviews