Polly Diamond and the Topsy-Turvy Day, page 3
I put our hamster back into its cage. Mrs. Strange helps me fix the cage door. Our hamster stares at me. It is still not sleeping, even though it is daytime. Topsy-turvy.
Mrs. Strange gives us time to draw pictures of our hamster. She puts on music. Ms. Hairball never puts on music while we draw. I actually like it! Here is my picture of our hamster:
I love to draw. Maybe one day I will draw pictures for the books that I write. I will be a writer and an illustrator! I imagine myself sitting in a room filled with pictures that I have drawn. I imagine that there is a little hamster in a cage in the room with me.
Mrs. Strange says, “Polly, it’s your turn to read through your story with me. Can you come to the front of the class, please?”
I walk over to her desk.
“I know that you were disappointed not to read aloud to the class this morning. But I’d love to go over it with you. Would you like to read it to me?”
I read my story out loud to her.
“You’re a very good writer, Polly,” she says when I finish.
I fill up with happiness. I feel like a mug filling up with hot chocolate.
There is a knock at the door.
“Sorry I’m late,” says a man when he comes in. He holds a box. “Delivery for Class Three B. Hamster.”
He opens up the box. A little pink nose peeks out. Then a pair of tiny eyes.
I go to the doorway to get the box. The delivery man waves goodbye.
“Two hamsters!” I say as I bring Mrs. Strange the second hamster. She seems confused. “That’s way better than one hamster! Maybe we do have the most incredible class pet. Class pets, I mean! Ooooh! I have an idea!”
“Really?” Mrs. Strange looks worried.
“It’s been such a topsy-turvy day,” I say. “We could name one hamster Topsy and the other Turvy!”
“That’s even better than Apples!” Trixie says.
“Even better than Doodles!” Aarav says.
“Best names ever!” Dawson Dawsons says.
Luala and Hannah both agree.
It goes to a class vote for yes or no. Everyone votes yes!
Mrs. Strange says, “Ms. Arbul has just emailed. She will be back tomorrow, Class Three B. It’s been a lot of fun. I will miss you!” She laughs. “Or should I say MEOW!”
We all burst out laughing. She is actually a very funny teacher!
“I hope you get to be our sub again someday!” I say.
The bell rings for recess. As we go into the walkway, I see Shaylene coming out of her Grade 8 class. There is a loud “YAP! YAP! YAP!” that comes from behind her. At her feet, a small battery-operated dog barks.
“Leave me alone!” she cries at it.
Her friend, Moody Mina, says, “It’s, like, the most annoying thing ever!”
“Right?” Shaylene says. “I don’t know where it came from, but it keeps following me! And it won’t stop barking.”
I remember what I wrote in Spell. Shaylene has a toy dog. I smile. Having a magic book is the best. And so is having TWO hamsters, Topsy and Turvy, for our class pets!
ALICE KUIPERS is the author of over 20 books for young adults and children. Her books have been published in 36 countries and have won lots of awards. Born in London, she now lives in Canada with her partner, the author Yann Martel, their four children, and their dog, Bamboo. Alice has writing tips and ideas for any budding writers on her website, including a free course for young writers. Come and find her there: www.alicekuipers.com.
DIANA TOLEDANO’S name is pronounced “Deanna” because she is from Spain. Like Polly, she has curly hair and wears glasses. She grew up in Madrid, where she studied art at the Madrid Art School. In addition to working as an illustrator, she also teaches in museums. She lives in Sacramento with her husband, a fun toddler, and two fluffy cats. Learn more about her at www.diana-toledano.com.
Alice Kuipers, Polly Diamond and the Topsy-Turvy Day
