Awful Annie Stories

Awful Annie is really something of a misnomer; certainly the narrator of these two tales is a spirited character who knows her own mind but essentially she's a likeable young miss who just manages to get on the wrong side of her parents and other adults from time to time. In the first story Annie's Great Aunt Binkie arrives for her dreaded annual visit: dreaded because of the awful dress she always makes for Annie. However, things turn out differently on this visit and Annie's long-held wish is unexpectedly fulfilled. 'Nippy Numbers' is a mathematical aid lent to Annie by Mr Trenchman who gives extra maths lessons. Annie, however, is unimpressed by the piece of technology and accidentally leaves it at a jumble sale. Matters go from bad to worse for poor Annie but all ends happily and the lesson Annie learns is certainly not a mathematical one. Told in the first person, these stories have a slightly old-fashioned appeal to them which is reflected in John Lawrence's delightful line drawings. The humorous telling combined with good characterisation make this book an entertaining read for juniors.