When Grandad arrives, be sure to hide. Messing with his head is paramount. Make sure you eventually pop out of your hiding place and shot 'here I am!' but not so loud that you give him a heart attack.
Feeding him right is important. Favourite snacks should always be ice cream topped with cookies or cookies topped with ice cream.
On a walk, ensure he doesn't step on any pavement cracks, and if there's a puddle or a sprinkler, you'll need to show him what to do.
Entertaining Grandad in the house can include somersaulting, putting on a scary play or building a pirate cave--and when playing pirates, whatever you do, don't let his feet touch the living room floor.
At naptime, reading a book (especially over and over and over...) will send him off to sleep in no time.
Lastly, to ensure a repeat grandad-sitting job, make sure you send him home with a cute, hand-drawn picture. It's sure to make his bottom lip wobble.
This is a delightful, thoroughly humourous romp both kids and adults will enormously enjoy. Wildish's stunning illustrations are a joy, and the relationship between grandad and grandson is beautifully-played out in both word and image.
Truly gorgeous.
Title: How to Babysit a Grandad
Author: Jean Reagan
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
Publisher: Hachette, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 September 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781444915884
For ages: 2 - 8
Type: Picture Book
