Lucas and Jack

Lucas and Jack by Ellie Royce, illustrated by Andrew McLean (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781921504662

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

Every week Lucas’s mum visits Great Grandpop at the nursing home.

And every week Lucas waits for her outside.

Waiting is boring! Until Lucas meets Jack.

Jack cheats when playing Snap, he’s tricky but he’s also fun. It’s also Jack that introduces Lucas to a new way of thinking with his game ‘what do you see?’

With simple text this book shows children that old people were once like them. Having similar interests and pets, even similar favourite foods.

It is a great way to encourage children to be interested in the people around them. To ask the question ‘what did you do before you were old?’

Combined with McLean’s warm and inviting illustrations, this book gives children the chance to understand that every elderly person has a story to tell.

All they have to do is ask.

I watch Pop play cards. I see an old, old man. But I wonder.