Hey Grandude! McCartney’s first book, has a sequel and I’m convinced there will be more adventures to come to make this into an action-packed series.
Grandude’s Green Submarine is luxurious; striking! A parade of colour, it resembles a house fitted out without thought of cost. Katherine Durst’s outstanding illustrations depict animated scenes in detail, predicting a child’s journey into discovery beyond the obvious. Musical notes are included, of course!
Tom, Lucy, Em and Bob, make up the Chillers, Grandude’s grandchildren.
It’s a hot day, and hanging from a tree in the shade makes no difference. Everyone is flat. Grandude invites the kids into his shed.
It’s an Aladdin’s cave of cooling devices and lots of mysterious inventions. Eyes light up with delight as their temperature goes down. A photo of Nandude has pride of place on a dresser. She is an adventurer of a higher degree than her husband.
Em speaks what Grandude is thinking; to embark on an adventure to find Nandude!
But how?
They meander through a secret passageway to a locked area. A magnificent, magical green submarine stands in wait. When all are aboard, out comes Grandude’s magic compass. He speaks the magical words. The needle spins. They shoot through the roof and into the clouds, swimming through the sky, singing along the way.
Being well known, Grandude has friends in many places, that can help direct him to Nandude. Navi appears and takes them all to a cool spot for the Chillers to watch the elephant parade, while the friends discuss Nandude’s whereabouts.
Ravi picks up his sitar and starts strumming. Follow the notes and you will find her.
Just as they settle, the monsoon rains start pouring down. The submarine at hand, they wave to Ravi and it is all aboard.
The river swells and through jungles, along riversides, animals hum Nandude’s song to lead the way. A dip down into the ocean finds Grandude and the Chillers in deep water. But what a sight to see! Glorious coloured fish and corals.
Then darkness descends, as an octopus shoots out a surge of black ink.
Will they find Nandude? Will the music guide them to her as Ravi said?
Title: Grandude's Green Submarine
Author: Paul McCartney
Illustrator: Katherine Durst
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $
Publication Date: 2 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241472934
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
