Grandma Dangerous and the dog of destiny: Book 1 by Kita Mitchell

Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9781408355060
Age: 8+) "WARNING: DO NOT GIVE THIS BOOK TO YOUR OWN GRANDMA. SHE MIGHT GET IDEAS...
Danger is her middle name!
Ollie's dad is missing - but Grandma Dangerous is on the case! She has a hot-air balloon, thirty packets of biscuits and a pooch with magical powers (she says).
But as they sail through the skies, Ollie realises they're not just on a rescue mission...
Grandma's on the run!" (Publisher)
This is a really funny read. It resonates with David Walliams and Roald Dahl and I am sure fans of these extremely popular authors will love this. What child does not like adults and, in particular one's parents, being the butt of many jokes and adventures? Ollie can not believe his luck when he has to be looked after by his grandma, aka Grandma Dangerous. Grandma has promised to be on her best behaviour but it is not too long before mischief and adventure comes knocking. Ollie's dad, a famous explorer has gone missing. His mum is too busy looking after his injured sister, Lucy, so it is left up to the two of them and Ollie's school friend, Piper. They set off to Australia with a hot air balloon as their mode of transport! Of course the plot becomes quite complicated in a funny way. The main characters are likeable with Grandma sure to be a hit with the reader. Who does not like a grandma that doesn't make you eat vegetables, feeds you lots of sugar and takes you on amazing adventures? A welcome addition to the collection - suitable for ages 8 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher