The Exiles

see the house. Downstairs is fine, but all our rooms are pink (the curtains and sheets, and the walls) only with a dark grey carpet so as not to show the dirt. Mum asked what we thought. ‘It’s a hellish pink,’ said Ruth for a joke. ‘You’ve come back worse,’ said Mum – but she was laughing.
    So are you coming for Christmas?
    Love Naomi

Also by Hilary McKay
    THE CASSON FAMILY
    Saffy’s Angel
    (Winner of the Whitbread Children’s Book Award)
    Indigo’s Star
    Permanent Rose
    Caddy Ever After
    Forever Rose

    The Exiles
    (Winner of the Guardian Book Award)
    The Exiles at Home
    (Winner of the Nestlé Smarties Prize)
    The Exiles in Love

    Dog Friday
    Amber Cat
    Dolphin Luck

FOR YOUNGER READERS:
    The Story of Bear

    Happy and Glorious
    Practically Perfect

    PARADISE HOUSE
    The Treasure in the Garden
    The Echo in the Chimney
    The Zoo in the Attic
    The Magic in the Mirror
    The Surprise Party
    Keeping Cottontail

    PUDDING BAG SCHOOL
    A Birthday Wish
    Cold Enough for Snow
    A Strong Smell of Magic