LoveReading4Kids Says
Families come in all shapes and sizes and this cheerful picturebook celebrates that beautifully. Lily-May is sad when she learns Dad is going to move away, but Mum and Dad reassure her it’s going to be alright and soon she’s listing the positives of her new situation. She has more time with Mum and then, when Peter moves in, more grandparents to play with not to mention more noise when his young sons come to stay too. There are still some wobbles, but nothing that Mum and Dad can’t sort, and the final pages capture her birthday party, much more fun with her big fantastic family. Though the book is described as ‘a story about parents separating’, the emphasis is strongly on that big new family formed as a result, and it’s so positive and encouraging it’s just the thing to share with young children going through the same as Lily-May or to help explain a friend’s or other young family member’s new situation. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud and Ali Pye’s clear, bright illustrations will prompt lots of conversations.
Andrea Reece
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My Big Fantastic Family Synopsis
When Dad says that he's moving out, Lily-May feels all upside-down inside. But now Dad comes on Sundays, and they ride their bikes really fast and make secret dens together. Lily-May plays more just with Mum now, too - and when Mum's new partner Peter comes over, they play pirate ships!
Sometimes, there are tricky moments - Lily-May hates it when Mum has to work late - but a birthday party with Lily-May's big fantastic family helps her realise just how many people love her.
This reassuring celebration of non-nuclear families will help children to understand that they will always be loved, even if parents separate or divorce. Beautifully written in rhyme by the award-winning authors of the bestselling George's Amazing Adventures series, this uplifting story with a diverse cast of characters embraces all the positive aspects of becoming part of a blended family after a divorce or separation.
About This Edition
About Adam Guillain, Charlotte Guillain
Adam and Charlotte Guillain.
Adam is a performance storyteller and was the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre Writer in Residence. He is published by OUP, Pearson and Scholastic.
Charlotte taught English to air traffic controllers and nurses before deciding a career in publishing would endanger fewer lives. Following a decade working as a commissioning editor, Charlotte is now a prolific author of children's fiction, non-fiction and picture books.
Q&A: Adam and Charlotte
1. How did you get the idea for this book/artwork?
Like many parents with babies, Charlotte and I would make up silly rhymes and songs for all usual baby stuff: changing nappies, going to sleep, eating food etc. One of the first solids our own George loved was spaghetti. One day we were doing the usual nonsense stuff when the words 'spaghetti with the yeti' came out. We were on to it like a shot! When Egmont said they loved it and wanted Lee Wildish to create the illustrations we were so happy we danced a jig!
2. How would you describe the book?
It's very silly, funny and warm.
3. Which is your favourite character/theme in the book?
We love the character, George, partly because he's based on our own red-headed son, but because he so refreshingly innocent and optimistic. He has an idea and in good faith he just goes for it!
4. How long did it take you to write/illustrate this book?
The first draft was written in about fifteen minutes but we've been writing, rewriting and crafting this story for seven years.
5. How did you do the research for it? Where did you look/go?
Other than researching if anyone else had thought of this idea before, we did absolutely no research at all - which was great!
6. What other books have you written/illustrated?
It's a long list. Better check out our website www.tinnedspaghetti.co.uk
More About Adam Guillain, Charlotte Guillain
The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “Although separation and divorce are very difficult subjects, when parents share Lily-May’s story with young children, its positivity and frankness will, I have no doubt, help many, many families through this tough time. Ali, Charlotte and Adam have pulled off something quite incredible together: a picture book that helps children understand that it’s possible to embrace change, even in the most unsettling of circumstances. It’s a tenderhearted story, too, and every moment radiates a very real sense of unconditional family love.”
