Paul McCartney (text) and Kathryn Durst (illustrator), Grandude’s Green Submarine, Penguin Random House, September 2021, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780241472934
On a boiling hot summer’s day, four children, referred to as ‘the Chillers’, explore Grandude’s top-secret Inventions Shed, which is filled with unusual cooling devices. When they spot a picture of Nandude, their adventurous grandmother, they decide to go on an adventure of their own to find her. Into Grandude’s bright green submarine they go to begin their search. Following Nandude’s special tune, they visit an old friend of Grandude, are chased by a storm, pass a parade of jungle animals, and end up in the ocean, where Nandude eventually rescues them. The story ends, as many picture books do, with everyone home safe and tucked up tight in bed.
The vivid and detailed illustrations by Kathryn Durst are a highlight. The representation of the grandparents as strong, clever, adventurous, stylish characters is a nice change from the way they are often portrayed in picture books and other media. Similarly, the family is modern, with the diverse children (presumably siblings or cousins) being cared for by their grandfather. There is mixture of spreads and vignettes, and the design flows seamlessly. The quality of the book is lovely, with a shiny dust jacket and an alternative design to discover underneath.
The story is very imaginative, and children aged 4+ years will love the adventure themes. Paul McCartney fans will enjoy nods to his famous music sprinkled throughout. Some elements of the story (such as calling the kids ‘Chillers’) felt a bit clunky, and there are some parts that don’t make much sense. That’s not to say the story is not enjoyable, but it’s hard to imagine this book being published if it were written by an unknown author. This book is bound to be especially popular with grandparents, particularly those who love real-life Grandude Paul McCartney’s music.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
