Kids into Books: Two Weeks with the Queen

Author: Morris Gleitzman

Illustrator: Nigel Buchanan

Publisher: Macmillan, $12.95

Age group: 8-10 years


Several loud explosions echoed around the shoe box as Luke roared in for another attack on the aircraft carrier HMS Yukky School Shoes.

'Luke,' said Mum, 'we're trying to listen to the Queen.'

I don't feel well,' said Luke.

Serves you right, thought Colin, for having three lots of ice-cream with your Chrissie pud.

'Serves you right,' said Mum, 'for having four lots of ice-cream with your Chrissie pud.'

Four? Colin couldn't believe his ears. When he was eight he'd only been allowed two. Young kids today didn't know how well off they were.

'I feel sick,' said Luke.

'Try keeping the racket down a bit,' said Dad, 'and you'll feel better.'

'Probably a strain of heat-resistant bacteria in the Chrissie pud,' said Colin. 'Pity we haven't got a microscope in the family, I could have run some tests and spotted it.'