Promotional Information

Another hilarious and heart-warming story from Australia's funniest children's author.

About the Author

Morris Gleitzman grew up in England and came to Australia when he was 16. He was a frozen-chicken thawer, sugar-mill rolling-stock unhooker, fashion-industry trainee, student, department-store Santa, TV producer, newspaper columnist and screenwriter. Then he had a wonderful experience. He wrote a novel for young people. Now, after 42 books, he’s an internationally bestselling children’s author. In 2018 and 2019 he was the Australian Children’s Laureate. Morris Gleitzman grew up in England and came to Australia when he was 16. He was a frozen-chicken thawer, sugar-mill rolling-stock unhooker, fashion-industry trainee, student, department-store Santa, TV producer, newspaper columnist and screenwriter. Then he had a wonderful experience. He wrote a novel for young people. Now, after 42 books, he’s an internationally bestselling children’s author. In 2018 and 2019 he was the Australian Children’s Laureate.

Reviews

"A funny, touching, positive book."
*Amazon*

Gr 3-6-The first title in a trilogy (Worry Warts and Puppy Fat) written and read by Australian author Morris Gleitzman, it features Keith Shipley as the optimistic preteen protagonist. Keith's discouraged and somewhat crabby parents run a fish and chips shop in London, and when the shop burns down due to Keith' carelessness, he convinces his parents to carry out his dream of moving to Australia. Hoping for paradise, they find themselves adjusting to new, but manageable, circumstances. Keith's new friend, Tracy, conspires with Keith to "hide" the negatives of the area from Keith's parents, convinced that they won't want to stay if everything isn't perfect. Eventually, Keith confronts his own pessimism and how it affects other, and realizes that no place is perfect and life is good for those who choose to make the best of things. The story contains several references that are distinctly English (quid, fishmonger, bloke), but listeners will have no problem deciphering the meaning from contextual clues. A few references to dated items (record players, slide projectors, and television shows) don't detract from the story line, and may lead to class discussions. The text, rich with similes and metaphors, can inspire students to be more creative in their own writing. Perfect for individual or group listening, this title will be a solid addition to audio collections for upper elementary students.-Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

"A funny, touching, positive book." -- Amazon