When Grandma sees Grandpa’s slippers on his feet one morning, she realises how old they are. There are holes in the soles and the stitching is coming undone. But Grandpa likes them just the way they are.

Grandma buys him some new slippers and tries several ways of getting rid of his old slippers. But Grandpa likes his old slippers best. The tug back and forwards of hiding them and finding them again finally results in both Grandma and Grandpa being happy with his slippers.

Grandpa’s old grey cardigan has seen better days. It doesn’t take much convincing from Grandma for him to decide to shop for another one. His search for the perfect replacement sends him all over town. Just when he thinks he’ll never find one, the perfect cardigan appears!

No one is more surprised than Grandma.

Grandma and Grandpa have been invited to spend time at the beach with their family. Grandpa wants to wear his shorts. “What shorts?” asks Grandma. Grandpa begins to search the house. He opens boxes, looks through closets, and inside old suitcases. Finally he finds what he’s looking for.

Grandma thinks his beach outfit will look out of place on holiday, but she has a surprise coming.

Looking inside his shed one day, Grandpa decides to clean it out. As he does he sees a job that needs doing. Then another, and another. Will he ever actually get to cleaning out the shed? Grandma comes to help and it’s finally done. Or is it?

Grandpa can’t find his cat. He calls her, but no puss. They check the shed. No puss. Calling, searching, looking under beds. Where is Grandpa’s cat? Finally they find her high above them, where she shouldn’t be. Grandma thinks she’ll come down herself, but Grandpa can’t wait. Call the Fire Brigade!

This is a bind-up of five classic kiwi kid’s picture books by the magical duo that is Joy Watson and Wendy Hodder.

These stories have stood the test of time and as I re-read them again in this full size, colourful collection, I was once again captured by the simple but brilliant stories, the believable characters and the ever-present satisfying endings.

There is humour, real-life, and love on these pages and many readers, both young and old will identify with Grandma, Grandpa or both in their own family or whanau.

Published in the memory of Joy Watson who sadly passed away in 2021, this collection is a must have on every New Zealand child’s bookshelf. If you can get your hands on one in the world beyond Aotearoa NZ, grab it. You’ll see what I mean in the very first story.

Thank you Joy for your stories that keep on giving.

Author – Joy Watson

Illustrator – Wendy Hodder

Picture Book Collection

(2022, Scholastic, Grandpa, Grandma, Grandparents, Elderly, Poppa, Grandad, Nana, Grandma, Humour, Funny, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Family, Whanau, Koro, Story Collection, Classic, Much loved)