Kids into books: The Gizmo

The Gizmo

Author: Paul Jennings

Publisher: Puffin books $10.95

Illustrator: Keith McEwan

Age group: 8-13 years


The little man bends down to tie up his shoe. It is almost as if he is daring me to take something. Behind him I see a sign that says THIEVES WILL BE PUNISHED.

"Quick," whispers Floggit. "This is your chance. Go, go, go."

It is now or never. I close my eyes and grab something from the counter. I don't even know what it is. I turn and run. I scamper off like a terrified rabbit.

I hear Floggit's breath and pounding feet as he runs behind me. I run and run until my heart hurts so much that I have to stop. I collapse into a heap behind the hot-dog stall.

I wait for the screams and shouts. I wait for someone to yell, "Stop, thief." But no one does.

"Whoo-ee," yells Floggit. "You did it. You finally grew up."

Tomorrow: There is an ON button but no OFF button.