Carrot Top

This is a collection of stories about Melinda, a little girl with red hair who lives in a city. She's very much today's child and her environment is very much today's city; workmen, building sites, lost purses, unemployment, do-it-yourself and pregnant cats all feature in these stories. Nigel Gray has a good ear for dialogue and for everyday situations and has written a book which reads aloud well and would be enjoyed by any experienced reader from seven upwards - especially if they too lived in a city. I particularly liked the story of Dad's attempt to redecorate the living room and the time Melinda gave away all her toys; I know several families just like this one!