Kids into books - The Great Bamboozle

This week's title: The Great Bamboozle
Author: Joy Cowley

Publisher: Scholastic, $8.95

Illustrator: Philip Webb

Age group: 7-10 years


It could say only seven words. "Get lost!" and "Put a sock in it!"

But now it peered down at the parrot, shuffled its skinny red legs and called, "Bamboozle! Bamboozle!" in a gullish voice. Then it ran along the roof, spread its sings and threw itself onto the strong sea breeze.

Miles away, Griselda had her sails set to catch the same sea breeze. She was heading for a far-off place where people dived for pearls as big as cherries. She didn't know how long it would take to get there but she was enjoying the voyage.

The sky was blue, the sea was brisk, and the Bumbucket was skimming along with sails as full as washing on a line.

Griselda stood at the wheel.