The Rattlebang Picnic

The McTavishes were the sort of family who preferred people to things, barreling along in their old rattlebang car - chosen when Jack and Marion McTavish (nee McGillicuddy) were married, rather than the more expensive model, which would have necessitated having fewer children - and enjoying their

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many outings together. Mr. McTavish, Mrs. McTavish, the seven young McTavishes, Granny McTavish, and the family pets would all pile into that rattlebang, on their way to places like Shark Park and Mount Fogg. But when their adventurous spirit lands them all in trouble, and they find themselves on the run frown a racing lava slide, it looks like their trusty old car may have finally let them down. Fortunately, Granny's rock-hard pizza is on hand to save the day...

After reading and loving The Boy Who Was Followed Home, the first joint picture-book venture between New Zealand author Margaret Mahy, and American artist Steven Kellogg, I was excited to discover this second title from the duo. Unfortunately, although I did enjoy it - I particularly liked the idea that it's more important to have a family (the kind of family you want) than expensive possessions - I don't know that it was the equal of the earlier book. Still, there is much madcap humor here, and fans of the author and illustrator will enjoy watching the shenanigans, as this surreally amusing tale unfolds.

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