Kids into books: The Wild West Gang

The Wild West Gang
Author: Joy Cowley

Publisher: HarperCollins, $12.95

Age group: 7-9 years

UNCLE LEO WAS kneeling on the kitchen floor, mending the lawnmower. Johnny was helping him. The other kids were in the front room. I could tell from the noise.

'So we did it, did we'? said Uncle Leo with a grin. His red hair was curly and long round his ears and neck. He really suited his name. I didn't have to nod. I stood there, grinning. 'You can sleep in my room,' said Johnny. 'I won't grind my teeth.'

'You've got to sleep in everyone's room,' said Uncle Leo. 'Change every two hours. And that includes the dog kennel. They'll all die of grief, if you don't.'

Auntie Rosie was back at the bench, stirring in a bowl. She pointed her floury wooden spoon at Uncle Leo. 'And you'll die of a bad dose of scheming, Leo West.'

'Who me? Said Uncle Leo, his eyes open wide. 'All I did was tell the president of the golf club that Mickey's mum and dad would surely like a personal invitation to the tournament. Now tell me, Mickey, is that scheming or is that simple human kindness?'

'Don't confuse him with your blarney,' said Auntie Rosie. 'You know it was nothing more than scheming, and it was a wonderful idea. Mickey, you're sleeping with Royce.' She put her head back and yelled, 'Miranda? Royce? Jeannie?'

The noise went on in the front room. She bellowed again, 'Come here at once, or I'll tie your heads together!'

• Tomorrow: Pizza and hugs