SWIMATHON!

Things can't get any worse--the school's minibus has been vandalized. The students resolve to raise the repair money themselves. Mitchley delightfully recreates the exchanges between kids, parents, bullies, and school officials. But his best creation is the doll who constantly repeats, "My mummy says I can come out and play with you." Cross and Mitchely together present an excellent view of British schools, interpersonal relationships, and great kid names (that are probably politically incorrect). There's laughter aplenty for anyone lucky enough to choose SWIMATHON. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 01]