Dad and the Mad Cow Roundabout

Dad and the Mad Cow Roundabout is number seven in the Chimps series from The Children's Press for young readers

Dad and the Mad Cow Roundabout  tells of dad's misadventures when he takes Loopy, his eldest son, the twins and grandma on a trip in his sleek red convertible, designed for a James Bond-type movie that never got made. The car comes with several devices of which dad is unaware. He is also a hyper, nervous driver, which doesn't help him to manoeuvre around the Mad Cow Roundabout.
Grandma, the granny from hell, adds to his trauma. Loopy, jammed in the back seat with the twins, can't read the map or the lane change signs.
The comic narrative will delight young readers as they encounter one badly behaved adult after another. They are even given the option to decide what swear words Fatty, the truck driver, shouts at their dad.
“Fatty”? A gorilla driving a BMW? Yes, I do have a problem with stereotypical names. I also have a problem about the BMW speaking to its owner: “Be careful,” said the BMW. “Think of your heart.” Eh? There is also dad's response to accidents. He drives away from the scene. Not to be encouraged. Otherwise it is a fast moving read that will surely find its followers.

Dad and the Mad Cow Roundabout by Tessa Moore. Illustrated by Terry Myler. The Children's Press €5.50 Ages 6 to 9

Tony Hickey