Characters
Who is the main character in the story?
The main character is Joe Warden, a young boy who feels ignored by his status-obsessed parents.
Where does most of the story take place?
Most of the story takes place in Joe’s family home in England.
Why does Granny come to live with Joe’s family?
Joe’s parents bring her to live with them because they want to appear caring and responsible.
Who wrote Granny?
It was written by Anthony Horowitz.
How are Joe’s parents portrayed at the beginning of the novel?
They are greedy, selfish, and more concerned with money and social success than with their son.
What is Joe’s home like at the beginning of the story?
It is neat, modern, and reflects his parents’ desire for wealth and status.
What problems does Granny cause?
She embarrasses Joe’s parents, behaves badly in public, and disrupts their perfect lifestyle.
When was the book first published?
It was first published in 1994.
How does Granny behave when she first arrives?
She behaves badly — she is rude, messy, greedy, and embarrassing.
How does the house atmosphere change after Granny moves in?
It becomes chaotic, messy, and uncomfortable.
What makes Joe suspicious about Granny?
He notices hints that she may not truly be helpless or as unpleasant as she appears.
Who was the original publisher?
It was first published by Orchard Books.
How does Joe feel about Granny at the start of the story?
He dislikes her and feels ashamed and frustrated by her behaviour.
How does the setting help create humour or comedy in the story?
The contrast between the parents’ perfect home and Granny’s outrageous behaviour creates comedy.
What is the major twist in the story?
Granny is revealed to be part of a plan to teach Joe’s parents a lesson about values and family.
In which country was the book first published?
It was first published in the United Kingdom.
What important lesson do Joe’s parents learn?
They learn that love, family, and kindness are more important than wealth and social status.
How does the setting reflect Joe’s parents’ personalities?
The stylish and expensive home shows how much they value money and appearances.
How is the story resolved?
Joe’s parents change their behaviour and begin to appreciate their family more.
What genre is the book?
It is a children’s humorous fiction novel.