THE RELUCTANT LITTLE FLOWER GIRL

Melanie Koster & Jenny Cooper

Mallinson Rendel Publishers,

Hardback, $25

Five little girls in ribbons and laces,white satin sashes and smiles on their faces,

all except one, who, gloomy and glum,

sat in the sandpit and said, "I won't come!".

So begins this charming, lively and humurous story from first-time author Melanie Koster whom the publishers have cleverly linked with the hugely experienced and highly regarded children's book illustrator Jenny Cooper.

The book is huge fun and will be loved by kids of all ages.

Melanie Koster lives in Christchurch with her husband and two young children and her book will be launched in her home city next week.