The third title in Jean Ure's acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.

This is the story of how Mandy learns to cope with her untidy life and finally emerges triumphant.

Mandy Small has trouble writing so Cat, her teacher, suggests that she tells her life story into a tape recorder. So begins Mandy's funny and sometimes sad story of life with her loving but chaotic parents - Dad, the Elvis look-alike, and Mum, whose idea of a special meal is burnt toast!

Then there's school, where the horrible Tracey Bigg picks on Mandy and her timid friend, Oliver, not to mention Old Misery Guts, the landlady and Nan, who thinks that Mandy's parents aren't fit to look after her. With so many things to worry about, Mandy begins to think that she's in danger of turning into a real Fruit and Nutcase!

Mandy's story, told in the form of diary into a tape recorder, is a funny and often moving account of a child's everyday life, with all its difficulties. Hilariously illustrated by Mick Brownfield.

About the Author

Jean Ure went to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and her love of ballet and theatre have inspired many of her books, not least the acclaimed A Proper Little Nooryeff. The Puppy Present, written for younger children, was shortlisted for the Children's Book Award.

Jean was born in Surrey where she still lives, in a three-hundred-year-old house, with her husband and family of rescued dogs and cats. She is a vegan and is committed to animals rights.

Reviews

Fruit and Nutcase
"...this is an upbeat yet gritty story about the tenacity of love and the fact that life is never perfect."
Scotland on Sunday

Becky Bananas
"...the writing transcends any trace of heaviness"
Guardian

Book Information
ISBN 9780007121533
Author Jean Ure
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint HarperCollins Children's Books
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 150g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 10mm