Kids into books - Flying Squad

This weeks title: Flying Squad

Author: Jonathan Allen

Publisher: Random House $10.95

Age Group: 8-11 years


It was the sparrows who started it. If they hadn't told Neville the parrot about it, he wouldn't have got all worked up and rushed off to tell the canaries. They wouldn't have got even more worked up and vowed that, come what may they were going to DO SOMETHING about it! And if they hadn't done that, there wouldn't be a story, and that would be a shame. So thank you, sparrows ...Before I start rattling on, I'd better take some time to fill in a bit of background for you. Neville is the Lord Mayor's parrot and the town's valued mascot. The seven canaries - Horace, Boris, Morris, Norris, Doris, Clarice and Alice - form his official bodyguard.

It's their job to look after him and, on State occasions, to fly in formation above him as he travels on the Lord Mayor's shoulder. It's a responsible job and they enjoy it, but this story finds them with something else on their minds.

'You mean they just put them in a crate without food and water and stick them on an aircraft?' Doris was incredulous. 'But that's inhuman, man!'


Tomorrow: Cruel and evil?