The Noonans are from a simpler, less fearful time. The story begins on their manicured lawn, as Mrs. Noonan looks up at their huge house and asks her husband when, oh when, is he going to get around to painting it? Mom and Dad Noonan then head out for the day in their wood paneled station wagon, leaving their three kids at home.
When the babysitter fails to show up, the kids get to work painting the house all on their own. After gathering the plethora of leftover paint cans piled in the garage and basement, they paint until all the paint has been used up and every surface is covered. The result is outrageous. The kids 
are absolutely chuffed at a job well done. They even cleaned the brushes in the bathroom (cringe!)
The gulf between adult and child can be so wide and this book captures it with great humour. Oh Were They Ever Happy is a story about the freedom, anti-materialism and non-conformity that is the essence of childhood - or should be. For kids, there is no delineation between work and play. There is no right colour. There is no social norm. Let them rule!
The formidable Peter Spier is also the author and illustrator of the highly recommended and intricate, People.
Out of print. Doubleday, 1978
No comments:
Post a Comment