A classic from Roald Dahl, with an edginess to it that invites Dahl’s darker humour to come out more strongly than some of his other children’s books. There’s fantasy, horror and the grotesque woven through what is ultimately an optimistic story about good triumphing over evil, where the smallest character saves the day, with the help of a caring grandparent.
The Grandmother in the story is bold, brave and full of great advice on how to cope in a world filled with secret child-hating witches. She works with her grandson (The Boy) to outsmart and eradicate the Grand High Witch and her followers.
The protagonist, Sophia, spends months with her grandmother on their remote family island in the Gulf of Finland. They row boats, collect bones and driftwood, visit the magic forest, adopt a cat and build Venetian palaces in the middle of the night.
Ben hates spending time with his boring granny while his parents go off to their ballroom dancing, but it turns out that there is much more to her than meets the eye! Because Granny is really a gangsta. Together they go on an adventure and become the best of friends.
One of my favourite childhood books. Twins Ruby and Garnet rely on their grandmother to be a much-needed calming influence when their world is turned upside down.
I loved this rhyming book which is a reminder that not all grandmothers have the traditional grey hair and old fashioned clothes. The grandmother here wears vibrant, tie-dyed clothes and has a guitar-strumming boyfriend. She also has a wonderful bond with her granddaughter.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments