Ratbags and Rascals

Australian writer Robin Klein has given us a refreshing book with a difference, a collection of pithy tales, each with an unusual twist or outcome. There's the case of the over-efficient robot which threatens to monopolise a household until gran solves the situation, then there's this hobo who terrorises the town, till Miss Daisy arrives, and we mustn't forget the story of the redundant pirate who is saved by adverts! Each of these short episodes - and there are seventeen in total - is entertaining and ideal for junior aged children. I will certainly use the stories with my class and put it in the library. Both boys and girls will find something of interest here and will be attracted by the zany sketches provided by Alison Lester.