Eight-year-old Poppet (not her real name, which she hates) lives with her mum and dad (although they are actually her grandparents, she seems none the worse for it) in a house with a succession of fostered ''troubled youth''.
Mum and Dad do a very good job with these difficult young men and for Poppet, astute, intelligent and a first-class speller, they are a source of interest, some questionable information, company, fun and, occasionally, some brotherly affection.
Poppet's attempts to understand the activities and conversation of these young men and the other adults around her are a constant source of delight for the reader.
While there is some sadness in the story - young men cannot always thrive, however loving and patient their foster parents - Poppet plays her part, as her straightforward friendship and common sense is a gift to their troubled souls.
Dunedin author Kath Beattie has been writing for many years, both short stories for children and adults, and poems.
Margaret Bannister is a retired Dunedin psychotherapist and science teacher.
