This is an excellent book for people of my age, and tells the story of the relationship between a teenage girl and old Lady. The book is beautifully illustrated by Anthony Browne and a pleasure to read, it intrigued me from start to finish. I would definately recommend it and hope to read more of Janni Howker's books in the future. -Miss Jamie Lake, 13.

The Nature of the Beast is a fantastic book. Written by Janni Howker, it is set in the north of England during the Winter of Discontent. It centres on a semi-nuclear family (son, dad and grandad) living in a milling town called Haverston. The mill where the inhabitants of Haverston work is closing and at the same time a "beast" is terrorising the neighbourhood. When a reward is offered for a genuine sighting of the beast Bill Coward and his friend set out to gain proof - and get the money! All does not go as planned however, and from there on in Janni Howker sets up a superbly twisting story combining the natures of Bill Coward and the beast, his dad and his grandad, culminating in a gripping finish. This book will keep you reading whatever your age, and is money well spent!