My Funny Family's Got Talent

By Author / Illustrator

Chris Higgins, Lee Wildish

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781444918403

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

06-03-2014

Synopsis

Mum's 30th birthday is coming up and after such a hectic year for the Butterfields, Mattie wants to make it extra-special.

Aided by best friend Lucinda, Mattie decides a talent show to showcase the Butterfields' unique skills will be the best birthday surprise for Mum. With a host of unruly Butterfields and Lucinda's parents coming to watch, however, have Mattie and Lucinda bitten off more than they can chew?

Reviews

Mattie is part of a large and chaotic family, where money is in short supply but love and affection certainly is not. This story continues the ups and downs of daily life with Mattie deciding to organise a 'Royal Variety Performance' for her mum's birthday. As she goes about recruiting acts and trying to find a venue, the whole community end up getting involved while still managing to keep it a secret from Mattie's mum. Full of warmth and humour, this is a comforting tale, and is refreshing in its portrayal of a well-functioning extended family, who may not be perfect but strongly bound together by ties of family and affection. Black and white illustrations are dotted throughout, adding humour and interest, and the font and layout make it easily accessible for younger readers. 136 pages / For ages 7+ / Reviewed by Lucy Russell, Teacher