Kids into books: The Illustrated Mum

Author: Jacqueline Wilson

Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Publisher Randon House, $14.95

Age Group: 8-11 years


"Do you think he'll like them?" I asked Star.

"You bet," said Star. She took the hair clasp and opened it up so its plastic claws looked like teeth.

"I am a great present," she made it say and then it bit the tip of my nose.

Marigold gave us both big hugs and said we were darlings but her great green eyes filled with tears.

"So why are you crying?" I said.

"She's crying because she's happy," said Star.

"Aren't you, Marigold?"

"Mm," said Marigold. She sniffed hard and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She was shaking but she managed a smile.

"There. I've stopped crying now, Dol, OK?"

It wasn't OK. She cried on and off all day. She cried when she listened to the Emerald City CD because she said it reminded her of old times. She cried when I combed her hair out specially and twisted it up into a chic pleat with her new green clasp.