Overall, readers will appreciate this unique world that Dizzy has discovered, even as they hope she finds her way back. Cathy Cassidy wrote her first picture book for her little brother when she was eight or nine and has been writing fabulous stories ever since. The latest book, Indigo Blue (Book 2), was published in September 2005. its the only day of the year I hear from her. The Dizzy series does not have a new book coming out soon. He never had a family, not a proper one'), but it's easy to empathize with the heroine's complicated emotions (and with those of Mouse, who's more alone than she). Dizzy by Cathy Cassidy is an irresistible story for girls aged 9+ I never sleep, the night before my birthday. Some of the narration seems too mature for a 12-year-old ('For the first time since I came here, I begin to understand. Readers will get a clear picture of Dizzy's life on the road she sleeps in a tepee and dances at an all-night party next to a giant bonfire (to make money, Storm reads tarot cards and her boyfriend does crystal healings).

And although the girl makes some friends, bonding with Finn and troubled Mouse, she hates the way the townspeople judge them for being 'crusty kids.' Mostly, she misses her dad and starts thinking he's having fun without her (Storm had told her they were going to meet up with him at a festival, so Dizzy is confused when he doesn't show up). But while Dizzy gets glimpses of what makes her mother special, Storm mostly ignores her.

This year's present is her mum, in person. Convinced that her father has given his permission, Dizzy takes off with Storm to tour some outdoor festivals and get to know her mom better. But every year, on her birthday, something arrives in the post - a present or a card with her mum's loopy writing on. First-time author Cassidy introduces Dizzy on her 12th birthday, when her mother, a New Age gypsy who calls herself Storm, reappears after an eight-year absence.