Like
many of us, Father’s Day is a chance to show Dad how much we love and appreciate
everything he does for us.
The
story focusses on a Koala Dad and his three children who are spending the day
together – what could possibly go wrong . . .
The children plan all the things that will make Dad happy and enjoy his special day.
Firstly, they start the day with a healthy breakfast created by the kids. Cue the disaster zone and some questionable food combinations and the day is off to great start.
Then
its off to the park to enjoy some fresh air, not the park with the café as Dad
wouldn’t need another coffee. Instead they insist on visiting the one with the
giant climbing apparatus that is the furthest away from the toilets, and then
Dad can help them collect rocks and cool big sticks that they want to add to
the growing collection at home.
After
the park, there are always great games to play at home, naturally Dad wouldn’t
expect to win. Nor would he want to watch anything on TV that the children
wouldn’t like, that is if they can find the remote control that is currently
playing its own game of hide and seek.
Heath
McKenzie’s funny and bright illustrations capture the children’s antics
perfectly adding that extra layer of parental understanding to the story.
These
adorable situations that play out on Father’s Day are ones that are mirrored in
other families and are totally relatable.
As
all parents know the perks of having children means no sleep, no privacy and
certainly no peace and quiet. Especially when they are in places where they
should be quiet or if you are trying to answer the endless stream of questions.
This story is of for all ages and I can already hear parents chuckling as they read this story to their children. One can only wonder how much is based on real life . . .
Title: How (Not) To Annoy Dad
Author: Dave Huges and Holly Ife
Illustrator: Heath McKenzie
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760663735
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book