Читать книгу Zoo Poo Clues - Hazel Edwards - Страница 5

Chapter 1

Star Signs

You will have good news today. Everything will be up in the air tomorrow.’

From the newspaper, India read out her stars.

‘I don’t believe in that,’ said Art quickly.

‘When’s your birthday?’ India cut out the signs. ‘February, the 13th.’

‘You’re Aquarius. Like my star sign,’ India flipped through magazines.

‘Horror scopes, ‘ interrupted Mars Bar. ‘My Grandad says you can’t tell the future by stars.’

‘Right.’ India agreed.’ But I’m doing a scientific experiment.’ She added the last clipping to her pile.

‘I’ve got five different horoscopes for my birthday week. They’re from five different astrologers. I’m going to see if any are right.’

Art noticed something important. ‘India, see this date on the front.’

But India kept talking.’ My monster party’s tomorrow night, after we get back from the zoo. You’re coming aren’t you?’

Art nodded. He hadn’t bought India’s present yet. And he hadn’t read the butterfly book Mrs.Tasker had given him. Zoos were the class project.

Mars Bar checked both papers.

‘They say different things.’ India nodded. ‘That’s why I’m doing my scientific experiment.’

‘For the Science award?’ asked Mars Bar.

Last time, India collected dogs’ droppings. Then she’d designed a dog toilet, which won. Mrs.Tasker hadn’t liked the invention’s name ‘Dogs’ It’, but India still won.

Art asked, ‘Did all this stuff happen to you at this time LAST year?’

‘Can’t remember,’ admitted India. ‘Why? Oh no! Last year’s magazine. That’s history. ‘

‘Cherry picker!’ said Mars Bar.

Since Miss Hall banned swearing, that was his new word when things went wrong.

‘Use stars for your history project,’ suggested Art. India read so fast, she never bought new magazines. When she needed pictures for school projects she got bundles at op shops.

‘Hey, Tiny! Stop licking me! ‘laughed Mars Bar.

Tiny was India’s very big dog. His name fitted only when he was a puppy.

India dragged him off Mars Bar, just before Tiny lifted his leg.

‘Has Tiny got a dog star sign?’ Mars Bar asked.

‘Tiny can’t read,’ said India. ‘

But he’s a dog who stars...’ ‘...at lifting his leg on people when they’re on the floor!’ said Mars Bar quickly.

Art thought about today’s stars. Would any good news arrive for him?

That night, Art won the ‘Hot Air, Going Up’ competition. Mum was still at work. Dad was away, driving his truck.

While Art ate his pizza slice, he’d been listening to talk back radio. Dr What’s quiz program had ace prizes. The first time Art tried, the number was engaged and he missed winning tickets to the ‘Hot Ice’ concert.

Art dialled the number again. He hung up and waited, his pizza-sticky finger just above the redial button.

‘Our next competition is sponsored by ‘Going Up’, the hot air balloon company. They need a name for their new balloon. Ring in when...’

Art hit the redial button. Beeps. The phone was answered immediately.

‘Hi. M’name’s Art.’ ‘Hullo Art. What is your answer?’ said a voice.

For a moment, Art went blank. He didn’t know the question. Behind, he could hear his radio talking to itself.

‘Could you turn off your radio please Art?’ requested Dr What.

‘Okay.’ Art leaned across, and paused. The radio was a few seconds behind. Art could hear his radio- self talking.

‘Okay,’ said his voice. Weird. As if there were two of him. He liked hearing himself, but. ... Click! The radio went dead.

‘Your suggestion for the hot air balloon’s name? ‘Dr What’s voice came from the phone. ‘Balloon ... Fly. Balloonfly,’ said Art quickly.

‘Thank you. Art. Give your number off- air to my producer.’ Art gave his details and hung up. Then he switched the radio back on. Dr What was still speaking as Art finished his pizza and drank his milk.

‘Congratulations to prize-winner Art. He’ll have to be up VERY early tomorrow. My producer will be calling him in a few minutes.’

‘Cherry picker!’ Art let out a yell. Unluckily, the prize had to be used next morning, at 4.30 a.m. It was a hot air balloon flight for three.

Excitement fizzed in Art’s tummy. But who would go with him?

Last school camp India had hated the flying fox. How would she feel about hot air ballooning? Even if it were a birthday present.

Art ‘owed’ Mars Bar. If he came, Mars Bar was sure to muck up the flight.