Kids into books: Biddy Alone

Author: Wanda Cowley

Illustrator: Susan Opie

Age: 7-10 years

Publisher: Mallinson Rendell, $14.95


"No!"

Biddy had never seen her father's face so closed.

"But Dad ..."

"No, Bridget. Kit can't come with us and that's all there is to it."

"Dad."

"Yes, Bridget."

"Will you please listen to me for a minute."

Mr Wallace put down the newspaper and folded his arms. "All right Biddy, I'll listen. But I want you to understand there"s no way you can make me change my mind. It"s simply out of the question. The island is a bird sanctuary and cats are absolutely forbidden."

Biddy bent down and picked Kit up. She stroked him gently as he settled on her lap. His fur was sleek and shiny and the wavy black and ginger stripes made him look rather like a miniature tiger. Biddy looked at her father. "Kit's nearly ten now, right?"

Mr Wallace rubbed his ear thoughtfully. "I suppose he must be."