It's grannies to the rescue in this humorous picture-book from author/artist Judith Kerr, creator of the beloved Mog the Forgetful Cat and its many sequels. Describing the various formidable grannies who make up the "gang," from Maureen the car mechanic to Beth the cattle-herder, the story next details how they foiled a group of 'hoodies' intent on robbing a bakery. The punks might have sneered at first, but they soon realized that the Great Granny Gang was to be taken seriously...

Unlikely figures preventing burglaries, bank robberies and (now) bakery thefts seems to be a theme for Kerr, although her heroes in previous books - Mog in Mog the Forgetful Cat, Katarina in The Other Goose - were usually animals. However that may be, The Great Granny Gang is true to form, featuring the same somewhat quirky humor of many of the author's other tales, as well as her lovely watercolor illustrations. The text is in rhyme, and although it is occasionally somewhat awkward, in also has its moments of hilarity. I chucked aloud when I read: "Then all the hoodies cried, "We surrender! / Your gang's the greatest, none can match it. / But we are only young and tender, / So granny, please put down the hatchet." Recommended to Judith Kerr fans, and to anyone looking for picture-books featuring feisty grandmothers. ( )