The Curse of the Dolphin

Kept back at school to do extra homework, best friends Jack and Olly see someone they think is a burglar so they triumphantly save the environment prize - a model dolphin - from the 'burglar's clutches. They realise their mistake too late and a series of breathless mishaps is to occur before the dolphin is finally successfully returned to its place just in time for the presentation ceremony. A well plotted comedy divided into brief chapters, this exuberant novel is full of plot twists and verbal jokes which will greatly amuse young readers and, incidentally, encourage them to play with words and meanings. Swinnerton's characterisation has a satirical edge which young readers will appreciate. A first novel that conveys the flavour of primary school life with aplomb.