Grown-ups make you grumpy by Carrie Western

Ill. by Nick Schon. Pearson Picture books. Pearson, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4425 4806 0. 16p
9Junior primary) This is a delightful and interesting way to introduce silly sayings that have a double meaning!  The simple text is accompanied by clear, large illustrations which explain the meaning if the reader is in doubt. For example Grandma tells Jack to put on a jumper or he'll catch a chill. Jack wondered how fast a chill could run and could he catch it! The delights of the English language in all its nuances, is well on display here. When Mrs Brown visits, Mum says she'll put the kettle on. Jack thinks about Mum with a kettle on her head. 'Just like a silly hat' p6. Although written for junior primary readers, the book would be a very useful introduction to written language for older students. Well recommended.
Sue Nosworthy