Kids into books: Ticket to the Sky Dance

This week's title: Ticket to the Sky Dance

Author: Joy Cowley

Illustrator: Nik Andrew

Publisher:Penguin Books, $15.95

Age Group: 8-13 years


The man was powerful but clumsy and he went head first over the metal bars and heaps of sandals. By the time he got to his feet, Shog, Jancie and Banjo were well down the road.

Shog understood why Zeus boots cost just about as much as a hologram video. Man, they were magic, as light as breath and with so much spring he felt like a kangaroo, boing, boing, boing, leaping past the shopping centre, his toes flashing rainbows in the sun. Jancie was running at his elbow, laughing, extra pleased with herself. But the heavy guy was coming after them, and Banjo was lagging behind.

'Split!' Shog called. 'Three ways! Meet you back at camp!'

Banjo had the sense to duck sideways into a department store. Jancie stayed with Shog until the next intersection, then she too dived away. Shog glanced back. The giant's head turned towards Jancie but only for a second. The rest of him did not hesitate but came straight after Shog. The huge arms were pumping like pistons. The baton swung in the clenched hand. The tree-trunk legs were showing no signs of slowing down.

Ashoga did not have that kind of mechanical strength but he knew all about running. For him and Jancie it had become a way of life since Gran had gone into the nursing home, running from a foster home, running from welfare officers and police and teachers, running from red-faced shop assistants, running, running, like the rest of the kids who lived at the camp.