Kids into Books: House of Huxtable

Author: Joy Lowe

Illustrator: Brent Putze

Publisher: Mallinson Rendel, $15.95

Age group: 8-11 years


The house studied the old man. He did bear a marked resemblance to the boy who had carved his name on the wash-house door. It had a quick look. there it was - John Huxtable, 1935. He hadn't been a bad kid - as kids go, and the house had known a lot of kids over the years. He still had that goofy smile. He had got in trouble over carving his name. It snickered. He'd had to weed the garden for a whole week. Served him right!

That was a new expression that girl had used. What was it now? Maggot-face, that's it! Obviously one of those insults that kids invent. Maggot-face. Hmmm...I'm sure I can use that, thought the house. I like to keep my vocabulary up to date. I might be old, but I'm not old-fashioned.

they made their way up the overgrown track, to the verandah.

'Could do with some oil on these hinges,' Grandad said, as the door opened with squeaking complaint.

'It smells,' said Molly, wrinkling her nose in disgust.