The Birthday Burglar and A Very Wicked Headmistress

Boring and banal might be more becoming for at least the first of these two stories, for NEVER have I encountered so much alliteration on the letter 'B'. Margaret Mahy is an excellent story teller -- but surely not here? The first tale of two characters stealing birthdays is as far fetched as the second about a headmistress who wickedly tries to gain the monopoly in volcanic caramel custard. If such nonsense appeals to a reader, clearly this is the book for them; if not, middle juniors, you have been warned.