Seven-year-old Katharina is fascinated by the story of Noah’s ark, the first part of which she heard in Sunday school, before being sent with her little brother to stay with her granny on the hill until her new brother or sister is born. She is a bright and somewhat withdrawn girl, reflecting on such mysteries…

Cuckoo in the Nest, by Fran Hill Fourteen-year-old Jacky barely survives under the ‘care’ of her dissolute alcoholic father. So Social Services move her to a first-time foster family. Their daughter, Amanda, of similar age, resents her presence and does her level best to get rid of her.

The other side of the Dale by Gervase Phinn New on the job, Gervase several times has to ask for directions as he searches for the little primary school he is supposed to inspect in the tiny village with the delightfully tongue-twisting name. His frustration is compensated by the stupendous scenery as he winds his…