Morris Gleitzman, Adults Only, Puffin/Penguin Australia, 28 August 2015, 192pp., $16.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9780143308768
Morris Gleitzman is a well-known award winning Australian children’s author with a talent for combining adventure and suspense with humour, a touch of sadness and a likeable protagonist, to produce an engaging story in a writing style which appeals to young readers. His outstanding book Adults Only, which was originally published in 2005, has been reprinted for the 2015 audience.
Jake lives on an “adults only” holiday resort island with his parents who are the resort proprietors. His parents are constantly admonishing him to stay in his room and keep out of sight of the guests, for fear that their trademark “adults only” resort will be ruined if the guests see a child on the resort. On the one hand Jake longs for adventure and the company of other children. But he is also concerned for the success of his parents’ resort business and their happiness. He must therefore conduct his adventures and excursions around the island whilst making sure he isn’t seen by the guests.
The story is fast-paced and exciting as Jake attempts to recall an email message which could be disastrous for the family business, embarks on a rescue mission, attempts to release his captured teddy, Crusher, and discovers a magical underwater world.
There are also mysterious happenings on the island which create further suspense. Who is the girl in a faded pink dress that Jake keeps seeing around the island? Is she a figment of his imagination or is she real? And what is the dark history of the hotel’s building?
Jake’s innocent but hair brained schemes add humour to the story, as does his naivety and misinterpretations of events. He attributes anthropomorphic intentions and actions to his tough, tattooed teddy which are also funny.
I also enjoyed how Gleitzman plays with language to produce some humorous, original metaphors in child friendly language. Some of my favourites are; “...the kitchen looking like the fridge had thrown a tantrum and the stairway looking like a dandruff-sufferers convention. ..”(p.100) and “... he felt his heart trying to do a happy dance with his kidneys.” (p.167).
This book will be just as gripping and enjoyable for the 9-12 year olds of 2015, as it was for their 2005 cohort.
Teaching Notes are available on the Penguin Australia website.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
