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Maurice Sendak
This book shares themes of adventure and exploration, resonating with young readers' imaginations.
No Cover
Grug and His Kite
by Ted Prior
A small, gentle Australian picture book in which the bush creature Grug tackles kite-flying his own way, ideal for very young readers learning that persistence and odd solutions can pay off.
What It's About
Grug and His Kite belongs to Ted Prior's long-running Grug series, the Australian picture books starring a small, round creature who began life as the top of a Burrawang tree. In this installment Grug turns his attention to a kite. As in the other books, the fun lies in watching him work through a simple everyday challenge with his own unhurried, slightly unexpected logic rather than doing things the conventional way.
The series is known for its compact format, short sentences, and clear, friendly illustrations that carry much of the story. Pages are uncluttered, so pre-readers can follow along from the pictures while an adult reads, and early readers can tackle the text on their own. The tone is calm and good-humoured; there is no villain and no real peril, just a cheerful character trying, adjusting, and trying again.
Reading it is a quick experience, often a few minutes, which makes it a natural bedtime or quiet-time choice and one children tend to ask for repeatedly. For Australian families, Grug carries a strong nostalgic pull, since many parents grew up with the same books. For readers elsewhere, it offers a low-key alternative to busier, joke-heavy modern picture books. Because exact plot details vary across editions and recollections, this page focuses on what the book offers rather than retelling its story.
Read this if you…
- have a toddler or preschooler who likes short, calm stories
- grew up with Grug and want to share him with your own kids
- want an easy first book for a child just starting to read alone
Skip it if you…
- are looking for a rich, layered picture book with lots of humour for adults
- need something for a child over about six, who will likely find it too simple
Key Ideas
- 1
Solving problems in your own way
Grug books centre on a simple goal and a character who finds his own route to it. Here the goal is kite-flying, and the appeal for children is seeing that there is not just one correct method. It quietly encourages experimentation and confidence in thinking differently, without ever lecturing or spelling out a moral.
- 2
Persistence without frustration
Grug's attempts are presented calmly. Setbacks are part of the process rather than moments of drama or upset, which models a patient, steady attitude toward trying new things. For young children who get discouraged quickly, this gentle framing can be reassuring and gives adults an easy opening to talk about having another go.
- 3
Pictures that do the storytelling
Ted Prior's illustrations are clear and expressive, so much of the meaning comes through the images. That makes the book accessible to toddlers who cannot yet read and supports early readers, who can use the pictures to check their understanding of the short, simple text on each page.
- 4
A distinctly Australian bush character
Grug's origin as part of a Burrawang tree roots the series in the Australian landscape. While the kite story itself is universal, the character gives the book a local flavour that sets it apart from imported picture books and has helped make Grug a familiar figure in Australian childhoods across generations.
Limitations
This is a very slight book by design, and older children or adults expecting the layered wit of modern picture books may find it thin. The story offers little tension or surprise, which suits small children but limits rereading appeal for parents. Its charm depends partly on nostalgia, so readers outside Australia without that connection may find it pleasant rather than memorable. Some editions are small-format and may feel less substantial than larger hardback picture books. It is best seen as one entry in a series rather than a standout on its own.
Questions Readers Ask
- What age is Grug and His Kite suitable for?
- It works best for children roughly two to five as a read-aloud, and for beginning readers around five to six who want to read on their own. The short text and clear pictures make it accessible, though most children past early primary school will move on to longer stories.
- Do you need to read the other Grug books first?
- No. Each Grug book stands alone, with a self-contained little adventure. Knowing who Grug is adds familiarity, but children pick up the character immediately from the illustrations. Many families collect several titles, and this one can be a perfectly good starting point.
- Is Grug still worth buying today?
- For young children, yes. The gentle pace, simple language, and calm problem-solving hold up well, and the books remain widely loved in Australia. They lack the flashy humour of some newer picture books, but that quietness is exactly why many parents choose them for bedtime.
- Published
- 2014
- ISBN
- 9781481400886
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Category
- Children's Books
Book details and cover from Google Books.
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