Worry Warts - Hardcover

Born in the UK, Morris Gleitzman emigrated to Australia with his family at the age of sixteen. His career took off as a screenwriter and a newspaper columnist, before he became a novelist. He has written a number of hugely successful children's books, including Two Weeks With The Queen, Belly Flop (0 330 39824 5) and Water Wings (0 330 39825 3). Blabber Mouth (0 330 39777 X) and Sticky Beak (0 330 39778 8) have been adapted for Channel 4 television, and won an International Emmy award in 1998. He lives in Melbourne and has two children.

Grade 4-8-- Concerned that his parents are divorcing due to financial problems, Keith Shipley runs away from his Barrier Reef home to Australia's opal fields, hoping to find his fortune. Along the way he learns quite a bit about himself, including a talent for painting. After being trapped in a mine, he and a friend do find an opal. Although his escapades cause even more strain on his parents' finances when they have to come and take him home, they are unconvincingly understanding, even agreeing to stay together for his sake. In an unbelievable moment of acceptance, the boy realizes that they are very unhappy and gives his approval to their divorce. The humor in this Australian import doesn't translate well and the adventure is far-fetched. --Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin
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