"Finder's, keepers," said Alice when she found a small coin; too small to buy very much according to big brother Peter, so she gives it to little brother Sam. Sam then proceeds to get the best possible value out of the coin (rolling it, balancing it etc.) until he finds big money. But the last thing he wants to do is spend it...

I enjoyed doing this one not only for the pictures but also because the story gives a different perspective on the use of money which, when it comes down to it, is just metal, paper and plastic. This was the first book where I was really influenced by Rosemary Wells. I love her writing style and the humour in it, particularly the Max and Ruby stories. The characters are shrews by the way.

Foreign Editions-Japan, also published in Japanese magazine, Kiddycat with animated video.

Reviews

...an amusing view of childhood with dense thick paint and ink line providing an idealised background of trees, river and sunlit meadows against which the small animals in bright patterned clothes move as though on a stage.

The full-colour pictures are vivid and landscapish. The script dodges along successfully without ever producing real thrill or high interest levels. A competent little story told with due economy and concentraing on the familial relationships. It is the type of tale youngsters will read again and again and there is an element of prediction just asking for reader/listener involvement. Not the most wonderful book I have seen this year-far from it-but entertaining in its own quiet way. W.M. JUNIOR BOOKSHELF

Rob Lewis manages to capture the ordinary moment and turn it into a perfect vignette which leaves one grinning idiotically and as keen to read it again as the kids are to ask for more! Rob Lewis, with the same deft touch as in his other stories, provides us with a gleefully wicked twist at the end of the tale-so read it and just watch the faces of the children listening. J.S. BOOKS FOR KEEPS

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