The Birthday Burglar and A Very Wicked Headmistress

Margaret Mahy, Illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain
Published by Magnet
0-416-59720-3, £1.75

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.

Reviewed in BfK No. 42 (January 1987) by Nigel Spencer (NS)
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