Kids into books: Biddy Alone

Author: Wanda Cowley

Illustrator: Susan Opie

Age: 7-10 years

Publisher: Mallinson Rendell, $14.95



"It"s not fair," said Biddy, looking hard at her father. "You shouldn"t have taken the job."

"Now that"s enough Bridget." Mrs Wallace spoke sharply. "Your father has turned down special areas before to save too many school changes for you and Sam. This posting is a once in a lifetime chance. Uncle Bob is here to keep an eye on Sam and Nana will look after Kit. It"s a wonderful opportunity for us to live in a unique environment."

"But what about me?" wailed Biddy.

Mr Wallace stood up and put his hand on Biddy"s shoulder. "We want you with us, Biddibid. You"re too young for boarding school. I"m really sorry we can"t take Kit with us but you know Nana loves cats and she"ll look after Kit like a prince. He"ll be fed on fish and all sorts of goodies. And you"ll see him from time to time when we get back to the mainland."

"But I"ll miss him. I"ve had him all my life and he"s getting old. We could be on the island for years and he could die. I want to be with him.