Feely’s teacher wants her class to write up a report about life in the fifties. Everyone starts to interview their Grannies and Grandads, but Feely doesn’t have her own old person to talk to. Feely’s opinions of old people are very forthright until she meets Mrs Bagott at the old people’s home. Mrs Bagott is almost as crabby as Feely herself. A touching bond grows between them as they agree that life sucks.

This title is part of the hilarious Feely Tonks series. Barbara Catchpole is masterful at producing laugh out loud books which hook even the most reluctant readers. Her character Feely Tonks is a mercilessly honest, clever girl constantly annoyed at her (in her own eyes) useless family. The books are written as her diary entries with easy to read text and really lovely, funny, blackand white illustrations. Perfect for engaging girls (and boys) less keen on reading.