Grandpa might look like a quiet, settled gentleman as he sits with his cuppa in his favourite armchair. Don’t let his braces or comfortable green slippers fool you.

Grandpa loves competition! Whether it’s down at the park with his grandchildren or racing back home again when Grandma yells…

“Dinner!”

…. Grandpa is always first.

Down at the park one day, they discover a new swing. A new challenge for Grandpa. He’s in the swing in a blink, and they spend hours swinging and laughing together having a wonderful time.

“Dinner!”

It’s time to go home. Oh oh. Something has happened. Has something finally beat Grandpa?

As the 2020 recipient of the Joy Cowley Award, Grandpa Versus Swing certainly deserves it.

The rhyme is wonderful to read, the illustrations are clear, bright and full of colour. The predicament this competition hungry Grandpa finds himself in is one I’m sure other families have experienced in some way or another. (I know I have.)

The conclusion is just perfect.

Author – Tania Sickling

Illustrator – Lael Chisholm

Picture Book

(2021, Scholastic NZ, Award Winner, Joy Cowley Picture Book Award 2020, Family, Grandparents, Grandchildren, Grandkids, Grandies, Grandpa, Poppa, Nana, Pops, Nan, Koro, Park, Swings, Competition, Fun, Humour, Rhyme, Rhythm, Cooperation)