Short Stories by NZ Children’s Authors: Diana Noonan - Kids

Something Special by Diana Noonan

"Guess what Jordan had for news today?" Libby asked her Mum when she came home from school.

"I give up," said Mum.

"His Dad’s partner’s coming to live with them in their house. They're going to have a big party to tell everyone."

"That’s nice," said Mum.

Libby dumped her bag on the sofa. "Jordon’s getting a new pair of cargo pants to wear to the party," she said.

Mum didn’t say anything.

"I wish I could have a pair of cargo pants," said Libby.

Wedding The next day, at lunchtime, Hester Wilkes told everyone that her mum and dad were getting married in the holidays. "I’m going to be the bridesmaid," she said. "I’m getting a long dress. I'll be going to the hairdresser’s to get my hair blow-waved."

"Lucky her," said Mum, when Libby told her. Mum cut an apple into pieces and put the pieces on a plate for Libby and her little brother, Thomas.

"Can I get my hair blow-waved?" asked Libby.

"Some time," said Mum. "When something special is happening."

"When Hine’s mum and step-father got married Hine got new bike pants to wear to the wedding," said Libby. "Why don’t you and Dad get married?"

"We already are," laughed Mum.

"It’s not fair," moaned Libby. "Nothing special will ever happen round here."

But on Friday afternoon, when Libby got home from school, Mum and Dad were standing on the drive outside the garage. The car was packed with holiday things and Thomas was in the back seat.

"Here," said Mum. "This is for you." She gave Libby a big plastic bag. Inside was a new purple sleeping bag.

"Awesome!" said Libby. "Has Thomas got one, too?"

"You bet," smiled Dad. "It’s green. Now hop in the car. We're going camping."

That night, after Libby had helped cook toast and baked beans for tea, she and Thomas lay in the tent in their new sleeping bags. Outside, Mum and Dad were sitting beside the camp fire with their arms around each other.

Libby shut her eyes and pretended that Mum and Dad had just got married and that Thomas was going to be her new brother.

"I’m pleased they took us with them on their honey-moon," she giggled - but Thomas was already asleep.

What did you think of this story?

A selection of your comments will be posted on the web site from time to time.

Readers' Comments

I thought that this was a very touching story. It brought tears to my eyes!!:(: Bob, 19
It is a lovely and touching story with an excellent theme, but, it is too short but that is probably because I am interested in long books like The Dolphin in the Bay.: Diana, 11
it was really really kwl. i enjoyed the ending.: taz, 12
I thought it was interesting to read and is better then some other books I have read!: Chelsea, 9.
I did not think it was as interesting as "Emperor Penguins Lifecycle". That book was awesome. Keep writing!!: Kirsten, 10.
This story wasn’t boring at all. I would find it hard to write a story as short as this because I would want more to happen but I thought it was simple but awesome.: Daisy, 13.
Amazing,fabulous,wonderful.: Sean, 12.
F-a-b-u-l-o-u-s.: Rima, 11.
I think it was very funny. Can it be longer?: Atarleah, 10.
It was good but I would have liked it to be a little longer :): Kerry, 12.
I think it was boring. I would have liked it if Libby had more adventures. Your story was quite humorous. Maybe she could be on a island or something like that. I did like the imagination she showed.: Joseph, 10.
I think the story is ok. However I liked the part when she got home and found out that they were going on a camping trip, it was a cool surprise. If it was longer I would have probably enjoyed "Something Special" more. I would have also liked more information, perhaps more about what happened on their camping trip.: Annabel, 10.
Diana Noonan is a very good writer. This story didn’t really appeal to my interest but some parts were very good, like at the end it was cool when Libby imagined that they were on a honey moon.: Harry, 9.
This story was very interesting. 'Something Special' is a good title for this story because it has a lot to do with it. Some boys might not enjoy this story as much as the girls do. I personally think that it was my kind of story because It had enough information so that I was able to understand it. Keep writing similar stories.: Malin, 9.
I think it was ok not really my type of book: Jodi, 11.
This story was so moving. We are writing short stories in class and this is a good idea!: Hannah, 11.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!:-): P, 12.

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