Kids into books: Night Race to Kawau

Author: Tessa Duder

Publisher: Puffin Books, $12.95

Age Group: 8-12 years

Sam smiled sleepily. There was a sound of curtains being opened and the sudden warmth of sun on her face.

Then two curious words began to repeat themselves in her head.

"Night race? What was that you said? What night race?" she said, sitting up abruptly and stretching like a cat.

Her father was standing with his back to her, looking out across the sea. His voice had a keyed-up edge.

"Didn't we tell you? Oh no we decided not to, in
case the weather turned bad and we couldn't go. Tonight it's the night race to Kawau. Mum and I think you children are old enough now to crew for it, along with Terry, of course. I'm going to ring him shortly to check that he's still on."

* Tomorrow: Dad pitches an idea.