My epic dad! Takes us camping by Dani Vee. Illus. by Marina Verola

The first of a new series from Larrikin House promises lots of laughs as Dad’s plans predictably go awry. The front cover provokes laughter as kids pick up the book, seeing a snake hanging from the tree, lots of eyes peering out at the family, while the girl clutches a significantly placed first aid box. Imaginations will kick into gear as holidays with the family are recalled.

The book opens with the plan of the camping holiday on the endpaper, a few hills and lakes are to be explored as Dad makes his hopes known. His kids need nature, he assumes, but his daughter would prefer glamping.  Rhyming pairs of lines follow the disasters that befall Dad on their rustic holiday. From pitching the tent on a mountain of ants to disturbing a bee hive, Dad’s back to nature trip is sure to come unstuck. When he falls into the swamp and comes back up with leeches on his ears, a rat taking a bite from his chin and a crab snapping at this skin, the laughs come thick and fast at poor Dad’s expense. Others would give up, pack up the gear and head for home but not this dad. He walks into a tree and is stunned, so begins walking in circles, taking his kids with him. Just when things could not get any worse, a savage boar butts Dad on his bum. Some of his wounds are becoming infected and when the fire is lit to cook, the fox runs off with the steak. And then a snake appears. What else could go wrong? Well his many bites are now blowing up his head. Asking for the calamine lotion to cool himself down he sees the fire escape from the campfire and burn down the tent. A night spent in the car sees a black spider crawl up Dad’s leg, but after all this the children suggest they stay another night!

A very funny rhyming text is wonderfully supported with funny illustrations that remind all readers of the dangers lurking outside when someone wants to go back to nature. A laugh on every page, the images of the kids and their dog and dad coping with a mountain of calamities underlines the impact of trying something new, despite things going wrong. A discussion could be had after the laughter has died down around change and trying different things, of being adaptable, of preparing for change.

Themes: Change, Camping, Dangers, Fathers, Humour.

Fran Knight