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This book details the adventures of a retired couple taking on a co-parenting role by providing daycare for their granddaughter. Their routines and toddler experiences are funny and sweet. The grandparents demonstrate their ways of handling two-year-old drama while de-escalating conflict. But the book isn't exactly a parenting how-to. The narrative doesn't preach anything. Instead, the author chronicles difficulties and joyous times and how they handle each one.
Hearns shares the joys of the special grandparent/grandchild relationship, too. In keeping with the techniques of good writing, the author shows rather than simply tells the story, doing so exquisitely. Much of the interaction involves a childrearing style heavy on communication and independence. For example, Doireann asks for food that she then refuses to eat. Her grandparents simply explain to her that it is impolite to ask for food and then reject it. Then they move on without another word said about the incident. Another example is when Doireann asks for assistance. "Can you put this together?" asked Doireann. "Let me show you how you put it together," Granda suggested instead.
The expressions are fun for Americans to read because some are terms different than what are used in the United States. For example, "Daddy picked up her smoothie and shoulder bag from her buggy," with buggy meaning a stroller. But while some of the terms are unique to the British Commonwealth, others are merely unique to toddlerhood. Readers need and receive a hilarious glossary where words like "lazies" mean "ladies" in Doireann's language. Reading this book is like spending a few hours with one’s favorite toddler. It is rewarding and funny, but the reader gets to skip all the hard work.