Karen Lewis

Marcy's new teacher was interested in everybody and everything - even Marcy the blimp! But it didn't stop Marcy hating gym, and using excuses like "the cat ate my gymsuit" to get out of it. But it did help her confidence, and soon she could even talk to Joel without blushing a million shades of scarlet.

Laura is amazed when her baby brother George starts talking to her when he's only four weeks old, particularly as he sounds like a grown-up! It's a big secret to keep from their parents and the rest of the family and leads to all sorts of comic confusion until George's first birthday - when he makes a speech to his startled family.