The Birthday Flood: Part 1

By JOY WATSON, Illustrator ANNA-MARIA CRUM

"Oh no! It's still raining!" Joseph rubbed the sleep from his eyes and thumped his pillow. "It's not fair!"

It was Joseph's birthday and his family was going tot he riverside park for a picnic. But, two days ago, the rain had started.

"It should stop by tomorrow," his dad had said last night as Joseph was going to bed.

Now it was tomorrow, and it was still raining - hard. Rain was drumming on the roof and gurgling down the drains. Rain was hissing through the trees and dripping from the leaves. Rain, rain, rain ...

Joseph stomped into the kitchen, scowling. "Mum, it's still raining!"

"Yes, it certainly is," agreed his mother. "You should have heard it last night! Just look out the window."

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $7.80

Age group: 9-10 years