Kids into books: The Long Walk Home

Author: Pauline Cartwright

Illustrator: Paul Rogers

Publisher Puffin Books, $6.95

Age Group: 6-12 years


Brad, it won't be so bad shifting," his mother said as she organised his meal. "You'll have a new room and we'll paint it any colour you like."

Brad looked at his mother. "Black," he said. "I want it black all over - everything."

His mother turned over the chops, before she said, "Don't be silly, Brad. Black wouldn't be nice at all. Besides every speck of dust would show."

"But you said I could paint it whatever colour I liked."

His mother sighed heavily. "We'll talk about it another time."

"I'll still want it black."