Kids into books: Biddy Alone

Author: Wanda Cowley

Illustrator: Susan Opie

Age: 7-10 years

Publisher: Mallinson Rendell, $14.95


Biddy's mother turned from the bench and waved the vegetable knife at her husband. "Ten on the first of March. Remember he tangled the wool when I was knitting Biddy"s shawl. I just managed to finish it the day she was born."

Mr Wallace grinned at his wife. "What a hullabaloo that was too. Worse than untangling a fishing line."

Sam looked up from his homework. "I think you shouted more when he chewed your slippers."

Pity you can"t remember your homework as well as you can my past sins." Mr Wallace unfolded his arms and leant on the table facing Biddy. "It"s Biddy"s turn to talk. I think she wants to make a point."

Biddy looked her father in the eye. "Kit"s been in the family longer than I have. He"s part of the family."

Mr Wallace sighed. "I know, Biddibid. I know only too well. That"s the hard part. And I know he"s your special pet. We"ve been through all this. But remember, Sam"s part of the family too and he"s not coming with us to the island."

"Worse luck." Sam clicked his ballpoint in and out. "Think of all the scuba diving out there."