This hilarious, laugh out loud story by Australian comedian Dave Hughes and his wife Holly Ife is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day.
Like many of us, Father’s Day is a chance to show Dad how much we love and appreciate everything he does for us.
The story focusses on a Koala Dad and his three children who are spending the day together – what could possibly go wrong . . .
The children plan all the things that will make Dad happy and enjoy his special day.
Firstly, they start the day with a healthy breakfast created by the kids. Cue the disaster zone and some questionable food combinations and the day is off to great start.
Then its off to the park to enjoy some fresh air, not the park with the café as Dad wouldn’t need another coffee. Instead they insist on visiting the one with the giant climbing apparatus that is the furthest away from the toilets, and then Dad can help them collect rocks and cool big sticks that they want to add to the growing collection at home.
After the park, there are always great games to play at home, naturally Dad wouldn’t expect to win. Nor would he want to watch anything on TV that the children wouldn’t like, that is if they can find the remote control that is currently playing its own game of hide and seek.
Heath McKenzie’s funny and bright illustrations capture the children’s antics perfectly adding that extra layer of parental understanding to the story.
These adorable situations that play out on Father’s Day are ones that are mirrored in other families and are totally relatable.
As all parents know the perks of having children means no sleep, no privacy and certainly no peace and quiet. Especially when they are in places where they should be quiet or if you are trying to answer the endless stream of questions.
This story is of for all ages and I can already hear parents chuckling as they read this story to their children. One can only wonder how much is based on real life . . .
Title: How (Not) To Annoy Dad
Author: Dave Huges and Holly Ife
Illustrator: Heath McKenzie
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760663735
For ages: 3 – 7
Type: Picture Book