Anh Do (text), Jules Faber (illus.), Messy Weird! (WeirDo #10), Scholastic Australia, April 2018, 160pp., $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781742768045
In the latest in the series of WeirDo books, Weir is seeking a way to make some money. With the help of his friends, Bella and Henry, they decide to take on the project of cleaning up the Do family’s new home. It all sounds simple enough but there is quite a lot of equipment involved in the project; most of which the three keen cleaners have never even seen before, and certainly not used. While not everything works out as planned, Grandpa steps in to lend a helping hand and the three friends realise their goal.
I am a great fan of Anh Do’s books. This is the place where the ordinary becomes larger than life. A place that provides no quick fixes and no easy way out. Good times are celebrated with friends and family, and troubling everyday situations are resolved with optimism and kindness. The language is so accessible. New readers can take cues from the wonderfully quirky illustrations by Jules Faber which add so much to the text; and independent readers will enjoy a book that focuses on fun.
I did find the sections in yellow print throughout the book to be a bit challenging in terms of clarity – and this certainly isn’t the usual laugh-out-loud Do we are so familiar with – but this is a book about the importance of family and friends; working together to resolve issues, being part of a team working toward a goal – and there is always love.
The first book of Anh Do’s I reviewed was Crazy Weird! (WeirDo #6) – and our household has never been the same. Every book in this highly successful series has been eagerly awaited and read numerous times. Anh Do writes for all ages – even Grannies like me love the humour and the endearing character of Weir Do.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
