“Who holds the key to your happiness?”
 |
| Image: All Rights Reserved, |
| London : Puffin |
| c2006 |
Nicholas was relieved to hear that Mr Fender had decided to let him remain at the school for a further trial period, provided he followed Miss Murajee’s advice, but the events of the morning had disturbed him more than he cared to admit. In his mind’s eye he could still see the mountain lion walking towards Fiona and Mr Daimon. Suppose that had happened while Miss Murajee was not there? What would he have done? The idea that his friend could have been badly hurt, and that it would have been his fault if she were, was not a pleasant one.
When Miss Murajee had finished giving him her instructions on how he was to behave in school in future, he asked if there wasn’t anything else she could do.
‘Like what?’ asked Miss Murajee.
‘You said you were under a curse once, and you got rid of it. Isn’t there some way you can get rid of mine?’
‘No,’ she said firmly. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t do that.’ Then she smiled. ‘But cheer up. It could be worse!’
‘Could it?’ muttered Nicholas. ‘I don’t see how.’
‘Of course it could,’ said Miss Murajee briskly. ‘I know life’s not easy for you at the moment but that doesn’t mean you have to go around looking so miserable.’
‘I’m the unluckiest boy in the world,’ said Nicholas. ‘I don’t have a lot to be happy about.’
‘We don’t need reasons to be happy,’ said Miss Murajee firmly. ‘Happiness isn’t something that happens to you, it’s a decision. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and start smiling.’ She took out a card and gave it to him. ‘That’s my number. Any time you need me, give me a call.’
Extract from the book The unluckiest boy in the world
By Andrew Norriss
All Rights Reserved.
London : Puffin, 2006
Call Number: J English NOR
Extract contributed by Chan Pan Fong, Librarian, Public Library Services
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January 25th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Brilliant synopsis of The Unluckiest Boy in the World. There is more information and teaching resources too, about it and Andrew Norriss’ other books on my website. Thank you Chan Pan Fong, Andrew will be delighted.
@thewriterswife
April 20th, 2013 at 8:58 am
http://astro-analytics.net/note/37/