A Story Full Of Family Quirks: A Book Review Of Moany Dad

The book “Moany Dad” is a gripping and entertaining read. It brings the complexities and humourous nuances of the family dynamics to life. Authored by Nicola Dewhurst, this novel gives a glimpse into everyday challenges and heartfelt moments experienced in a family unit. Though she composed it for kids, adults will equally enjoy it. 

Moany Dad is perfect for bedtime stories, from length to colourful and appealing animations. The entire content is narrated from Jessica’s perspective. She always sees her father constantly complaining about everything. You will notice a well-composed blend of humour and tenderness while reading it. 

The theme focuses on understanding, patience, and the unconditional bonding that ties all family members together, despite the circumstances. It teaches a beautiful lesson to children on how to become empathetic and patient with their families. It inspires them to adopt these vital skills, necessary for succeeding in relationships and careers. 

Plot Overview

The attention-grabbing story revolves around the life of a kid, named ‘Jessica,’ her father, mother, and brother, Josh. She has a continuous cloud hanging over their head in the form of her “Moany Dad.” He moved with his family to the United Arab Emirates from the United Kingdom after securing a better job. He starts grumbling about everything ever since.

Whether it is a minor inconvenience, such as misbehaving sand getting in his hair to a major one, like traffic on the roads, he doesn’t leave a chance to complain. However, things change when Jessica, her mother, and her brother decide to send him to Timbuktu. His behaviour goes through a 360-degree shift after returning home, much to the surprise of his family. 

Does he whine less or completely stop? What happened to him that inspired him to change his moaning nature? Why and how did he come back from Timbuktu to the UAE? Well, we’ll avoid spoilers and leave their answers to your imagination. You can find them out yourself by exploring the text.

Characters

The book gets extra points for its richly developed characters. Each one is unique and stands out due to its specific features. They all combine to make the story entertaining for readers, especially kids aged 4 to 9. 

Father: The father comes off easily as a one-dimensional character due to his frequent complaints and cranky behaviour. The author designs his character in a way that usually struggles with stress and constant comparison with past circumstances. He also sets high expectations for himself that often put him in trouble. His moany personality is pretty complex with his flaws and vulnerabilities. Overall, you may have noticed an individual like him. So, his character isn’t fictional at all. 

Jessica: The young protagonist is also relatable, charming, and full of fresh energy.  Her observations and reflections on her family life are both upsetting and amusing. Her mindset seems to be quite developed at such a young age, which makes her personality inspiring. Readers look at the entire story from her eye. She also goes through a transforming journey from frustration to compassion. 

Initially, she saw her father as a source of irritation. Later, something happens that makes her realise that he is also an ordinary human being with his life challenges. The author has developed her character to teach kids who see others as a source of stress should learn to become empathetic. She gives a message of kindness, especially among family members through Jessica. 

Mother: The mother plays a great role in the story. She always tries to balance her husband’s negativity with her positive vibes. She is a source of compassion and stability for her family. Her behaviour provides a stabilising force within the family. Her patience and understanding in contrast to her husband’s cranky nature maintains the unity within all members. She remains resilient irrespective of whatever happens. 

Josh: Jessica’s brother is another supporting character. He has played a subtle role in the story. He prefers to comment less on the happenings but prefers to support when the family needs it. Overall, his character is relatable to introverts who go with the flow within their families. 

Overall, all the characters within this story are well-developed, just like all Nicola Dewhurst stories. The protagonist ‘Dave’ in her previous humorous, yet meaningful book, ‘Dave gets a Haircut: An Alpaca Farm Story’ is a good example. Nicola shows through Dave how a stubborn nature and not acting upon the right advice from close ones can get a person into trouble. She always builds the characters strong and shapes their traits while maintaining relevance. 

Writing Style

Nicola Dewhurst’s writing style in Moany Dad is accessible and interesting. It makes readers of all ages understand and connect with her content. The prose structure is simple, yet effective, conveying the message with maximum clarity. She knows the knack for capturing the attention of her readership in this book through the sensitivities of family life. 

Her writing style is authentic with a subtle humour. It adds depth to her created character. Jessica’s narrative voice is specifically strong. Her reflections and observations regarding her father, mixed with her innocence take the manuscript to another level. Her growth throughout the story is touching and believable. Many readers may be able to relate to the characters displayed in Moany Dad, due to Nicola’s excellent writing style. 

Overall Impression

Moany Dad is a realistic and insightful exploration of family life. Nicola Dewhurst has wrapped it in her personalised humourous and heartwarming package. She has addressed serious themes with a light touch, keeping it lighthearted for readers, particularly kids. Her approach makes this story both enjoyable and meaningful. The well-developed characters and their relationships offer a relatable and amusing look into family dynamics. 

Moany Dad is a must-read for readers wanting to dive into a rollercoaster story regarding a relatable family. It will make them laugh, reflect, and appreciate the complexities of family life. Grab a copy of this unforgettable read. You’ll discover how understanding and empathy can shape your personality and enhance your relationships.