Kids into books: Ryan's Dog Ringo

Author: Marie Gibson

Illustration: Richard Hoit

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $8.75

Age group: 11-12 years

Worst of all, just before the accident, Ryan had been promised he could have a dog. He'd saved up two years' birthday money, and most of his pocket money. They'd all gone to see the litter of German shepherd pups, and he'd chosen the one he wanted. He was going to call him Ringo.

But it was a German shepherd that crashed into Greg, so that was the end of that. Even before the accident, Ryan knew Aunt Beth didn't like dogs much. Afterwards, she wouldn't discuss them at all. Ryan asked Dad about it.

"Leave it a while,"Dad said. "Beth has so much extra work looking after Greg; it's not fair to make any more problems for her."

Ryan should have known it was a waste of time expecting her to go with him to gym that night. It would have meant getting a sitter for Greg. But Greg didn't like anyone except Aunt Beth taking him to the toilet and getting him into bed.

As it turned out, Dad had to go back to work, so Ryan went to the gym award presentation alone. That's nothing unusual, he thought. But it felt wrong sitting by himself with the cup he'd won and no family to say, "Congratulations!"No one to give him a hug or shake his hand.

Ryan didn't even stay for supper. He went home early.

Greg was still up. His eyes looked red, as though he'd been crying, but he smiled when Ryan came in.

"Let's see your cup,"he said, holding out his hands. He rubbed it with his fingers and inspected the engraving.

* Continued on P10 of Ryan's Dog Ringo.