REVIEW: What do the grown-ups do? by Mairi McLellan
Not all children like reading fiction and prefer the world of facts and real life. But reading a non-fiction book at bedtime is impossible. Try it and you will understand why. The design of non-fiction books chunks the information in to outbreaks, picture captions, fact files, bullet points and other brilliant ways of getting facts across easily.
Sean the Actor by Mairi McLellan
But they are impossible to read in the bedtime scenario, especially when a youngster develops an insatiable interest in the current First Aid Manuel, or Dung Beetles in Western Madagascar.
Joe the Fisherman by Mairi McLellan
Step in then Mairi McLellan, with her incredibly clever series of fact meets fiction books What do the Grown-Ups do?
It’s ideal for reading to the young Dorling Kindersley addicts. Each book in the series informs children about different types of jobs or workplaces. It helps them develop an understanding of the world around them, careers and what grown-ups do all day without resorting to Richard Scarry.
We follow the three Mackenzie girls – Ava, Skye and Gracie from Scotland, through simple photographs learning about the world of work.
The facts are presented clearly and concisely through the questioning of the girls and the responding narrative of the grown-up in question.
Papa the Stockfarmer by Mairi McLellan
It’s also a fascinating co-read for the adult, as Papa the Stockfarmer talks about the Cattle Handling System, or Joe the Fisherman explains how to catch prawns. Facts that on a dreary documentary would send you yawning towards the Facebook app on your smart phone are given the consideration they deserve through Mairi McLellan’s clever books.
Mairi manages to avoid being condescending or overly factual, striking the perfect balance in her books and knows exactly how to grab the interest of your average seven year old.
As a series of books, they are incredibly impressive and from a debut author simply brilliant.
Priced £10 and available from Amazon