Cliffhanger
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
Publisher: Random House, $14.95
Age group: 7-9 years
I knew I'd hate it. I kept telling and telling Dad. But he wouldn't listen to me. He never does.
'I like the sound of this adventure holiday for children,' said Dad, pointing to the advert in the paper.
'Abseiling, canoeing, archery, mountain
biking...'
'Sounds a bit dangerous to me,' said Mum.
I didn't say anything. I went on watching telly.
'How about it, Tim?' said Dad. 'What about an adventure holiday, eh?'
'You can't be serious! Tim's much too young,' said Mum.
I still didn't say anything. I went on watching telly. But my heart had started thumping under my T-shirt.
'He's nine, for goodness sake!' said Dad.
'But he's young for his age,' said Mum.
I still didn't say anything. I went on watching telly.
I stared hard at the screen, wishing there was some way I could step inside.
'Tim?' said Dad.
I didn't look round quickly enough.
'Tim! Stop watching television!' Dad shouted.
I jumped.
'Don't should at him like that,' said Mum.
'I'm not shouting,' Dad shouted.
He took a deep breath. He turned his lips up into a big smile.
'Now, Tim - you'd like to go on an adventure holiday,
wouldn't you?'
'He'd hate it,' said Mum.
'Let him answer for himself,' said Dad. He had hold of me by the shoulders.
• Tomorrow: Is Tim off to camp?
