Gecko Press - $19.99
It’s the 1930s. Our storyteller is crook in bed trying to get
over a long sickness and wanting to go back to school, when Uncle Trev arrives
to let Mum go out and do the shopping.
Uncle Trev tells one story after another about the animals out
on his farm, and about his neighbour Gotta Henry. He also goes through Mum’s
cupboards and helps himself to all her gingernut biscuits and Louise cake.
If you think Mum should be grateful to get out of the house,
she’s not. When she comes home, she chases Uncle Trev and his dog, Old Tip, with
her broom and threatens what she’ll do to ‘that man’ next time he comes in.
‘His writing is predicated on a belief that although modern
entertainment sates children’s hunger for stories, it fails to provide
sustenance ... Childhood is not idealised (pain is real and lessons are hard)
but adventure abounds and the end is self-sufficiency and individual empowerment
... Unfailingly entertaining...hilarious yarns.’
Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature (1998)
About the author
Jack Lasenby (born 1931) is one of New Zealand’s most important
children’s book authors. His novels and short stories have earned numerous
honours, including key awards and fellowships.
In 2003 he received the Margaret
Mahy Medal for contribution to the world of children’s literature. Jack has written dozens of books for
children and young adults. His writing is characterised by a portrayal of
childhood as full of hard lessons, adventure and the search for self- determination. His most popular books
include Harry Wakatipu, the ‘Uncle Trev’ series and the ‘Aunt Effie’
series.
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