Kids into books: The Wild West Gang

The Wild West Gang

Author: Joy Cowley

Publisher: HarperCollins, $12.95

Age group: 7-9 years


The Laugh inside me must have crept out onto my face. Mum was looking at me, her eyes all sharp.

'Michael, I don't want you rushing over there. Auntie Rosie's got enough to look after, without you as well.'

'I could help her!' I said. Mum looked at Dad. He straightened the knot on his tie and said, 'There will be times when you can visit, son. They are family, after all. But you don't go without your mother's permission. Is that clear?'

I nodded several times. It was always good to nod. It made them happy. 'Yes, Dad.'

'That's my man,' said Dad.

They were both smiling at me.

'As you get older, you will understand,' Dad said. 'The Wests are ... are ... '

'Different,' said Mum.

'Yes, different,' said Dad. 'Different lifestyle, different values.' I kept on nodding. The Wests were different, all right. And more than anything else in the world, I wanted to be like them.

I heard them talking in their bedroom.

'He's such a sensible boy,' said Mum. 'I don't think it would do any harm.'

'They're happy to have him,' said Dad.

'And we don't get many chances to get away for the weekend,' Mum added.

I got ready with my smile and my nod and sure enough, a moment later they were at the door of my room.

'Michael,' said Mum, 'Your father and I have a chance to go on a golfing tournament next weekend. We wondered how you'd feel...'

*Tomorrow: Is Michael going to visit?