JourneyOnline
New Frontier Publishing, 2009
RRP $24.95
Reviewed by John Ruhle, minister at The Gap Uniting Church
Grandpa’s Farm – A Summer’s Day is written and beautifully illustrated by Uniting Church Minister Rev Alan Robinson.
It is also pretty cool to note that it has been dedicated to his three sons, including Tim Robinson who also serves in full-time ministry in Queensland.
The book tells the tale of farm life through the eyes of city boy Matt as he spends time with his Grandpa.
It is not just any ordinary summer’s day, it is a harvesting and bush fire day.
The illustrations and the story bring to life the drama, excitement and anxiety that go hand in hand with farm life and particularly life in summer when bush fires are present.
The daily chores of milking the cow and the joy of harvesting the wheat turn to anxiety as the bush fire smoke gathers in the distance.
The back of the book says: “The story affirms the courage of people young and old when threatened with a bush fire.”
At times the rhymes feel a little pushed, however I read the book with my three little girls aged 7, 5 and 2 and they were captivated by the fantastic drawings, the images of farm life and the rhythm of the story.
Grandpa’s Farm – A Summer’s Day is a book that will appeal to city and bush kids and adults alike.
