Bryony Bell Tops the Bill

Bryony is constantly eclipsed by her all-singing, all dancing mum and talented sisters: otherwise known as The Singing Bells (who have to be the stars of the show the whole time). All Bryony wants is to find her own niche – maybe it’s being a top-notch skater. However, before she’s begun to enjoy them, she has to send back her new, state-of-the-art skates to pay for her sisters’ costumes for TV Family Star Turns. They think Bryony’s sacrifice is worth it: the family might win GBP50,000. Poor Bryony – and it’s not much fun at school, either. In their end of term play, she’s cast as the Ugly Ducking (when really she wants to be the swan). Can the family’s fortunes – and Bryony’s – turn in time to give her the chance to strut her stuff? ‘…a quartet of books with robust child appeal …the brief is clearly to appeal to those recently emerging from reading schemes but requiring continuing support. But the stories have a fresh originality that will make them great favourites’ Lindsey Fraser, Guardian Education Book of the Week