The Clock Tower Ghost
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Cover Story
Our cover this issue was created from the endpapers of the Blue Book and the Yellow Book of Hob Stories to be published by Walker Books later this year. Hob made his first appearance last year in the Red and Green Books of Stories about him by William Mayne. Patrick Benson who did the illustrations has just won the Mother Goose Award. For more details see Ed's Page (opposite) and the report of the Mother Goose Award (page 10). We are most grateful to Walker Books for help in using these illustrations.
The Clock Tower Ghost
Surely there is something magic in the way in which Gene Kemp creates characters that, while larger than life, are also eerily recognisable? The raging Amanda, her parents, brother, teachers and even the ghost all have those traits that cause the readers to smile, tongue in cheek, about themselves or those they know. Amanda lives in a constant rage. It is certainly not stilled when her family move from all that is familiar to live in a clock tower and run a museum. Her fury however eventually lays a despairing but selfish ghost who has been seeking his supposed murderer for one hundred years. The ghost forgives and is forgiven, Amanda's rage is calmed and all settle down to a quiet life --- 'well, possibly' are Gene Kemp's parting words! A hectic, exciting and satisfying read for all children of junior school age.