Zoltan the magnificent by Bob Graham
Lothian Children's Books, 2008.
ISBN 9780734410689
(Age 4-7) Recommended. Jack's Dad never seems to have enough time for
his family. He leaves for work very early and comes home late at night.
Sometimes Jack has to get out of bed just to see him. When the family
goes on holiday, Jack is certain that it is his mother who will be fun,
but he is in for a surprise!
Bob Graham creates a wonderful, warm family with ordinary ups and downs
in an environment easily identified by children. Many may recognise the
father who works really long hours and seems to be serious all the
time, and feel relieved when he shows that he has a fun side when he
relaxes on holidays.
Humour permeates the story both in the text and the cartoon like
illustrations. There are many funny moments that will have the reader
chuckling aloud. Incidents like Leo the dog sucking Grace's dummy just
when they are about to embark on a bus journey to the seaside and peas
rolling across the restaurant floor are beautifully woven into the
story.
Holidays can give everyone a chance to learn things about family
members and the discoveries that both Jack and his father make are
heart warming. This is a wonderful story of family life and unity.
Pat Pledger