Polly's Running Away Book
Presented in diary form, Polly's monologue charts the period leading up to the birth of a new baby in the family. She is sharp, caustic at times, providing a commentary on her family, teacher, friends (and ex-friend) and the subjects studied in school -- she displays a keen interest in the Tudors' practice of throwing their poo out the window. The central theme of the diary is Polly's plan to run away in protest at the awfulness of her life, and entries contain accounts of her 'savings' in the form of food and cash. There is something of an embryonic Bridget Jones here, and indeed Polly's tone is reminiscent of that of Ms J. The diary entries on each page are framed by black and white sketches and collages, somewhat in the style of a Victorian scrapbook.