Kids into books: The Gizmo

The Gizmo

Author: Paul Jennings

Publisher: Puffin Books, $10.95

Illustrator: Keith McEwan

Age group: 8-13 years


I have never stolen anything before. That's why I am not feeling so good. I think I am going to be sick all over the stall. I look at the electric gizmos all laid out for people to buy. What if I spew up just as I am taking something? What if I vomit right when I lean over the counter?

Everyone at the market will look. The police will grab me. They will tell my father. It will be in the papers. Everyone will know about the boy who was sick when he was trying to nick.

"Go on," says Floggit. "Don't be a wimp." He is standing there in his stolen leather jacket. And stolen jeans. He is pointing at one of the gizmos. "Quick, knock it off," he says.

Why did I agree to this? Why, why, why?

"You promised," says Floggit. He holds up the spanner that he stole from the lady on the tool stall. "You promised to nick something if I did."


Tomorrow: Eyes like windows.