Fri 29 Aug 2008
This is the fourth book in the Undys series by Michael Wagner with illustrations by Gus Gordon. The first three have been popular, and this one is just as good. Sticking to a tried and tested formula, this book contains four contests and four end-of-chapter rewards. This time the Undys go camping, but now it’s an expanded family. Father Phil’s girlfriend Amy is part of the expedition, Aunty Faber is there, and Daniel the Sudanese refugee from the flats is along with his daughter Summer. There are paddleboat races, a treasure hunt and a greasy pole battle between Josh and Amy, after they’ve expressed their difficulties in talking to each other, and Josh has told her you don’t have to talk to boys, you just do things with them. Then there’s a beach volleyball match against two other families. As usual, funny, with a dash of serious stuff thrown into the mix to keep it interesting. Great reading for anyone over 7 who likes fun. Any of the Undys books is great on its on, but together they give an even better impression of a family. And if you don’t like people writing in books, all the reward pages are reproduced on Michael Wagner’s website. Good idea!!