Kids into books: The Wild West Gang

The Wild West Gang

Author: Joy Cowley

Publisher: HarperCollins, $12.95

Age group: 7-9 years


'It won't be like this place,' said Dad. 'You may
find it quite...'

'Different,' said Mum. 'But it's only for two days.' .

'We would really appreciate it, old man,' Dad said. They waited, looking at me.

'Appreciate what?' I asked.

'Staying with the Wests,' said Mum, not looking at me.

My nod got a bit slower. It was important I did this right. I waited a while and said, 'How long?'

'From Friday night to Sunday afternoon,' said Dad.

I thought about it. 'All right, I'll do it.' I gave them a small lost smile.

'But I'll miss you.'

Dad reached into his back pocket and started counting out dollar notes. 'You might want to hire a video.'

'They don't have television,' said Mum.

'Well, you could go to the pictures with... whatshisname?'

'Royce,' Mum said. 'Michael, you won't forget your allergy medicine, will you? Brush your teeth. Eat your greens. No sugar or butter. Tell Auntie Rosie you have to be asleep by nine o'clock. You'll take your own pillow with you.'

I nodded until my head was ready to drop off and thanked Dad for the money.

Fantasmo! Enough for a bucketful of aniseed wheels, jelly snakes, potato chips with vinegar, milky chocolate bars and licorice allsorts. My cousins' favourites!

* Tommorrow: Tell the vampires to sharpen their teeth!