Kids into books - Wild Things: Baboon Rock

This week's title: Wild Things - Baboon Rock

Author:Elizabeth Laird

Publisher: Macmillan, $10.95

Age group:10-12 years



Afra stood up, deposited Stumpy gently on the verandah steps and went into the house. A rustling noise from a corner of the sitting room made her turn her head. Her father was sitting on the ancient sofa turning the page of his journal, his long legs, encased in old corduroy trousers, stretched out in front of him.

'Prof!' said Afra. 'I didn't know you were there.'

Professor Tovey waved his had at her without lifting his eyes from his journal.

Afra hesitated.

'About Aunt Tidey,' she said. 'What's she like!'

Prof lowered his journal and looked at Afra over his glasses.

'I'm not really sure,' said Prof. 'I haven't seen her myself for years.'

'But you must know,' said Afra. 'You're her brother.'

'Oh, you know what brothers are like,' said Prof, picking up his journal again. 'They never notice their sisters.'

'No, I don't know what brothers are like,' said Afra crossly. 'I don't have any, remember?'

She sat down on the floor beside her father, hugging her knees. She felt a little nervous at the thought of meeting this aunt for the first time in her life.


Tomorrow: Go without me