Review: My Aussie Dad

Author Morrison is a girl after my own heart. I adore books featuring Australian characters - from Dorothy Wall and May Gibbs to Heath Mackenzie and Yvonne Morrison - it's a true delight to see authors share in our culture (and humour) with beautiful books dedicated to the Aussie way of life.
Following on from the fabulous and fun My Aussie Mum (illustrated beautifully by Nicola Bright), Morrison this time takes us on another journey into the Aussie backyard with My Aussie Dad, illustrated by the superlative Gus Gordon.


I adore this book. Yes, the stereotypical man is typified in his workman's singlet, stubby shorts and thongs (footnote for American readers - before your eyes turn into saucers - 'thongs' are flip flops) but there is also the clean cut business man out for a drive, the bohemian surfer dad playing cricket on the beach, the high-achieving wannabe camper and the quintessential barbecue expert.

But what I love most is that the author hasn't forgotten the inherent multicultural dads in this book - from Greek to Middle Eastern, it's nice to know plenty an Aussie child will find their dad - or similar - in this book. It truly warms the heart.

But the coup de grâce of My Aussie Dad, is the humour. The upbeat, beautifully rhyming text works gloriously with Gordon's giggle-worthy illustrations, making for a well-rounded book that's an absolute must-have for any Aussie household.

Title: My Aussie Dad

Author: Yvonne Morrison

Illustrator: Gus Gordon

Publisher: Scholastic, $15.99 RRP

Publication Date: August 2010

Format: Hard cover

ISBN: 9781741692280

For ages: 2+

Type: Picture book