Somuch2do: Part 6

By VINCE FORD

Matt made a face as he pulled his helmet off to reveal short, spiky hair and an earring. He shrugged off his leather jacket and indicated the backpack on the rack behind him.

"Did you get it?" asked Mum.

Matt nodded. Mum smiled and turned to me.

"Davin, your birthday present's in your brother's pack. You can get it out yourself."

I didn't know what to expect. As I walked to the side of the bike, the pack wriggled. I glanced at Mum. Whatever it was, it was alive! I undid the buckles, flipped back the flap and pulled the top of the pack open. A slim head with a black nose squirmed out and sniffed wetly at my cheek.

"Get off," I grinned, hauling the wriggling bundle out of the pack. It was a young, shorthaired heading dog.

Publisher: Scholastic

Price: $13.95

Age group: 10-14 years