FORM 5 Novels : STEP BY WICKED STEP

SYNOPSIS

SUMMARY

This novel is really five stories within a story that are induced by a story, like a nesting puzzle. So,

we have six stories in the book. There may be a lack of a principal plot here but it is of no consequence as

the novel’s main purpose is to serve as a forum for six various stories of Richard Clayton Harwick, Claudia,

Colin, Ralph, Pixie and Robbo.

In Step by Wicked Step, five boys and girls find themselves in an old house on a stormy night. In

a hidden tower room they discover an old diary, that of Richard Clayton Harwick, who left behind a journal

account of his wicked stepfather. “Read and Weep,’ says the spidery writing on the cover of the book.

After Richard Clayton Harwick’s father passes away, he was sent to Mordanger School for four

long years. He wishes to burn Mordanger to ‘ashes’ as to him, ‘there’s no meaner place on earth’ than this

boarding school. When he returns to Old Harwick Hall, he could not get along with his wicked and loveless

stepfather, Reverend Coldstone. Being ‘robbed of all his precious tokens’ from home, Richard makes the

decision to leave and become a cabin boy when ‘a great ship strains at the tide’. His decision has caused

anguish in his mother and sister, who have spent a fortune seeking his return. He did not return to see his

mother or sister until he read a square print from Riddle & Flook which requested him to claim his

It is a wild and stormy night when five British school children from Mordanger

School arrive ahead of their classmates for a week-long field trip at "haunted" Old

Harwick Hall. With the aid of flashes of lightning, the two girls Claudia and Pixie and three

boys, Robbo, Ralph and Colin find a long-abandoned secret room containing a

mysterious journal. On the cover, it reads, ‘ Richard Clayton Harwick – My Story. Read

and Weep’. From the journal, the children uncover the story of a boy who runs away from

the sinister influence of a loveless stepfather. Richard Clayton Harwick's long-hidden

journal provides an inner tale that triggers off, one by one, each of the stories of the

listening children, all of whom also have "steps," or step-parents, to share their own

sagas. And what engrossing, heart-rending stories they are: of hurting but still humorous

children picking their way through a minefield of embittered or uncommunicative or just

plain immature parents, insecure or reluctant step parents and resentful step siblings.

However, the lack of a principal plot is of no consequence as the novel main purpose is to

serve as a forum for the various stories. "Step by Wicked Step" proves that all pain

eventually heals and that we have the power to change things for the better.

ZATI HANANI

SMK MERU

ownership to Old Harwick Hall. By then, Richard knows that his stepfather, mother and sister have passed

on. Only then, he realises his decision to leave has changed the lives of his family members.

Harwick's story prompts Claudia, Colin, Ralph, Pixie and Robbo to tell their own tales of

stepfathers, stepmothers, and stepsiblings, who are in turn eccentric, beloved, unwelcome, and almost

always misunderstood. Each vignette* is a wonderful study of human nature. As the lightning flashes, the

children begin to relate their own tales of step parents, stories that are full of warmth and humour, yet with

a fair share of sadness.

At first it seems the children could have nothing in common. Sports-mad Robbo, quick-witted

Ralph, sensible Claudia, fiery Pixie and dreamy Colin seem as different to each other as it is possible to

be. Yet they soon find they have one thing in common, and that they are all the products of broken homes

and they once have a turbulent relationship with a ‘step-’ or ‘steps-’ Below are the five stories in ‘steps by

wicked steps’ spin off from Richard Clayton Harwick’s ‘My Story. Read and Weep’. As Ralph says, “Stories

don’t have to be written,’ he reminded Claudia. ‘ This is the night for stories. Off you go,’ he reiterated.

SummaryA group of children are spending the night in the creepy Old Harwick Hall, as part of a

school trip. They are placed into certain groups, and Claudia, Colin, Ralph, Pixie and Robbo

find themselves together. None of the group members are really best friends, but

throughout the night they discover a secret that the old mansion has kept hidden for years,

and they suddenly find themselves coming closer together and discovering why they were

put in a group with each other. They are all wondering why they are put together, when they

discover that they each had two different addresses on their permission slips, one for their

mother’s home and one for their father’s home. Each child comes from a divorced family. At

least one of their parents has married again. Some children have to deal with either

stepbrothers, stepsisters, or blood related siblings. They each in turn tell each other about

how their parents broke up. It uncovers many mysterious questions.

Synopsis This novel is a tale that is both funny and moving. Five children are stranded together for

the night in a tower of creepy, dark old Harwick Hall. In that stormy night, the children

uncover the story of Richard Clayton Harwick which is very disturbing. It is a tale of a boy

who of many years ago learned what it was like to have a truly wicked stepfather.

Richard Clayton Harwick’s long hidden journal provides an inner tale that triggers off,

one by one, each of the stories of the listening children. It turns out eventually that they all

have step parents, some kind, some bad, some just plain wrong and so they tell each other

their stories. After listening to Richard’s story, each of the five tells his or her own. Their

stories are powerful and intensely moving tales of children struggling with change and

shifting family conditions.

Claudia’s story shows things well on the way to a happy ending. Claudia feels disloyal to

her mum whenever she has a good time with her father and his new girlfriend, Stella. Thus,

she is unfriendly towards Stella. Finally, in front of her Dad’s friends who are rude to Stella,

she compliments Stella and makes everyone notice the lady.

Colin’s story is moving. Colin’s seems the saddest. He had someone he thought of as his

father and now he misses him so badly that it hurts. Colin’s mother leaves the only father

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Colin has known, a man she lived with for many years, and in her attempt to create a new

life for herself does not see that Colin has been torn from a man he loves. Colin loves his

stepfather, but hasn’t seen him for five years, and is obsessively determined to find him.

Ralph’s story, though merry, is as complicated as a maze. He has three stepmothers to deal

with. All of them are different in their ways. In addition, he has a lot of stepbrothers,

stepsisters, half brother and half sisters to accept in his life. Ralph cannot keep track of

which parent’s house he should go to after school each day, so his parents develop a

lunchbox system: the Dumbo lunchbox means Dad’s house after school; the Mickey Mouse

one directs him to his mother’s.Towards the end, we can see that he is anxiously waiting for

his little half sister or half brother to be born.           

Pixie has to deal with two really irritating sisters. She hates to go over her dad’s house

twice in a month. She feels that everyone is pretending to be in a happy family when thay

are actually not. She has to deal with two really irritating stepsisters and father who

pretends he doesn’t notice how difficult things are for her.Soon, Pixie discovers that her

stepmother and stepsisters aren’t any happier about the situation than she is. She learns to

adapt to the situation. One of her step sisters teaches her mathematics and in return she

tells ghost stories.

Robbo and his sister, Callie find that their half sister, Dumpa is the problem. Both their

Mum and stepfather, Roy keep on arguing. The arguments are mainly due to Callie.  Callie

never seems to see eye to eye with Roy. Both Mum and Roy are committed with each other

just because of Dumpa, their three year old son. Eventually, Callie moves out to her Dad’s

place and that solves the problem.

Each of their stories is different, but through the act of telling, and through the responses of

the other children, each one learns more about his or her life.

STEP BY WICKED STEP PART 1

It is raining. Mr. Plumley and five pupil from Stagfire School are going to a haunted  house

in a minibus. Ralpha, Claudia, Robbo, Collin and Pixie have been picked out by Miss O’Dell

and herded into the minibus with Mr. Plumley. When they reach Creepsville, they think it is

haunted. The last group tells tales of strange shadows and footsteps and eerie figures in

white gown  melting through the walls.

 There are no lights and Mr. Plumley is horrified to settle the pupils in pitch dark. They go

upstairs as they pass by oil painted portraits of Harwicks of all ages staring at them. As it is

a rainy night, Pixie preferred safety in numbers. They have a rule “each bedroom is for

either girls or boys.” Mr. Plumley does not know the rule. He tells the pupils to settle in

while  he goes to look for the housekeeper.

 Robbo decides to explore two or three more stairs. He finds two more beds and a bathroom.

The boys take the present room meanwhile Claudia and Pixie take the other. Colin points at

the wall. He insists there is a door on the wall. When there is lightning, all of them see the

wall papered door meeting the wall papered wall.

 As they enter the room, cobwebs indicate no one has been there. A tower off a tower. The

shelf, desk and chair are filled with dust. Claudia sees a wooden cow balancing on  three 2

legs. She strokes its nose. Suddenly, she hears a soft sound behind her. Robbo sets a globe

of the world to spin on its axis.

 By looking around, they came to a conclusion that the last child who slept in it came from a

rich family. They find out it is a boy’s room. Claudia notices a dusty green album in spidery

writing on the cover. Richard Clayton Harwick – My Story. Read and Weep.

 They hear the faint rumble of the bus. The other children have arrived. The 5 children rush

to their rooms and pretend to be fast asleep. They do not want to miss the chance to read

the album. Not many get a chance to peep  into someone else’s life and not many people are

brave enough to tell you their story.

 By the time Miss O’Dell and Mr. Plumley come to the first tower room, they think that the

children are fast asleep due to tiredness. Miss O’Dell continues to say that the five children

have something in common.

 Mr. Plumley is puzzled as nothing seemed to be common in the five. Pixie is a trouble

maker. Claudia is sensible. Ralph is quick-witted and hardworking unlike Colin who likes to

daydream. Robbo is soccer-mad. As Miss O’Dell goes down, the lights come again. She shuts

the tower door leaving the five children who have been listening to their conversation.

 Synopsis             This novel is a tale that is both funny and moving. Five children are stranded

together for the night in a tower of creepy, dark old Harwick Hall. In that stormy night, the

children uncover the story of Richard Clayton Harwick which is very disturbing. It is a tale

of a boy who of many years ago learned what it was like to have a truly wicked stepfather.

            Richard Clayton Harwick’s long hidden journal provides an inner tale that triggers

off, one by one, each of the stories of the listening children. It turns out eventually that they

all have step parents, some kind, some bad, some just plain wrong and so they tell each

other their stories. After listening to Richard’s story, each of the five tells his or her own.

Their stories are powerful and intensely moving tales of children struggling with change and

shifting family conditions

            Claudia’s story shows things well on the way to a happy ending. Claudia feels

disloyal to her mum whenever she has a good time with her father and his new girlfriend,

Stella. Thus, she is unfriendly towards Stella. Finally, in front of her Dad’s friends who are

rude to Stella, she compliments Stella and makes everyone notice the lady.

            Colin’s story is moving. Colin’s seems the saddest. He had someone he thought of as

his father and now he misses him so badly that it hurts. Colin’s mother leaves the only father

Colin has known, a man she lived with for many years, and in her attempt to create a new

life for herself does not see that Colin has been torn from a man he loves. Colin loves his

stepfather, but hasn’t seen him for five years, and is obsessively determined to find him.

            Ralph’s story, though merry, is as complicated as a maze. He has three stepmothers

to deal with. All of them are different in their ways. In addition, he has a lot of stepbrothers,

stepsisters, half brother and half sisters to accept in his life. Ralph cannot keep track of

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which parent’s house he should go to after school each day, so his parents develop a

lunchbox system: the Dumbo lunchbox means Dad’s house after school; the Mickey Mouse

one directs him to his mother’s.Towards the end, we can see that he is anxiously waiting for

his little half sister or half brother to be born.           

Pixie has to deal with two really irritating sisters. She hates to go over her dad’s house twice

in a month. She feels that everyone is pretending to be in a happy family when thay are

actually not. She has to deal with two really irritating stepsisters and father who pretends

he doesn’t notice how difficult things are for her.Soon, Pixie discovers that her stepmother

and stepsisters aren’t any happier about the situation than she is. She learns to adapt to the

situation. One of her step sisters teaches her mathematics and in return she tells ghost

stories.

Robbo and his sister, Callie find that their half sister, Dumpa is the problem. Both their Mum

and stepfather, Roy keep on arguing. The arguments are mainly due to Callie.  Callie never

seems to see eye to eye with Roy. Both Mum and Roy are committed with each other just

because of Dumpa, their three year old son. Eventually, Callie moves out to her Dad’s place

and that solves the problem

            Each of their stories is different, but through the act of telling, and through the

responses of the other children, each one learns more about his or her life. 

Introduction    

Exposition

One stormy night, five children are thrown together in a creepy  tower, dark old Harwick

Hall.

Rising Action

They explore the tower

Climax

The discover Richard Clayton Harwick’s room which is in a tower off the tower.

Falling Action

The find the long hidden journal that belongs to Richard Clayton Harwick.

Resolution

They decide to read the journal as they never get the chance to peep into other people’s life.

(Richard Harwick’s Story)

Exposition

Richard’s father had fever and eventually he died.

Rising Action

Richard’s mother remarried. She married Mr. Coldstone who was a cruel man.

Climax

Richard left home as he was not happy with the situation.

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Falling Action

Richard found the note on the captain’s table. He realized that his family was looking for

him. He returns home and finds a letter written by his sister, Charlotte. In the letter,

Charlotte reveals all the difficulties they had had to undergo. He realized that his mother

was searching for him.

Resolution

He has to make a decision whether he should leave again.

 (Claudia’s story)

Exposition

Claudia’s Mum and Dad quarrel a lot

Rising Action

Dad leaves the house to stay with Granny and later moves to Stella’s. Claudia is sent to

Stella’s house all of a sudden and on that day Dad and Stella are having a party. Claudia

excuses herself politely to be in her room during the dinner.

Climax

Wearing the green pyjamas given by Stella, she parades and makes a grand appearance at

the party. She informs Stella that she likes the pyjamas.

Falling Action

Everyone starts noticing Stella and make a conversation with her.

Resolution

Claudia is happy for Stella.

 (Colin’s Story)

Exposition

Colin lives with his mum and a man he assumes to be his father. He calls him ‘Dad”

Rising Action

Colin and his dad spend a lot of time together. His dad walks him to and fro from school and

takes him to the park. Colin loves his dad very much.

Climax

Colin’s mum leaves the house and moves to another place. She finds a job at a canteen

Falling Action

Colin misses his dad very much. He even pretends to talk to him.

Resolution

He waits for the day when he will be able to find his dad.

 (Ralph’s Story)

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Exposition

Ralph has a big family. He has three stepmothers to deal with.

Rising Action

He manages to tolerate all of them

Climax

Flora, Stepmother number three is pregnant

Falling Action

He plans to help Flora to take care of his half sister or half brother.

Resolution

With the help of Mum, he sorts out the baby’s clothes.

 

(Pixie’s Story)

Exposition

Pixie goes over her father’s place twice in a month

Rising Action

Pixie hates her stepsisters’ habits

Climax

Hetty moves in Pixie’s room

Falling Action

Pixie and Lucy tells each other their feelings

Resolution

Pixie learns to adapt to the situation

 (Robbo’s Story)

Exposition

Robbo’s parents have splited up long ago

Rising Action

His sister Callie hates Roy, their stepfather. Frequent quarrels are seen in the house.

Climax

Roy is very adamant and refuses to speak or do things for the step children as before

Falling Action

Callie decides to move to Dad’s place.

Resolution

Mum helps to set up Dad’s home so that it would be comfortable for Callie.

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Conclusion   The children feel proud to relate their stories. Everyone’s story is different.

The message is not about solving the problems, but about simply dealing with them. Several

of the stories are quite poignant, one is funny, and none reach a final resolution by the end–

one, in fact, is left hanging rather ominously. But all of the children have had a chance to

express what they’re feeling, and to realize (along with readers) that they are not alone.

STEP BY WICKED STEP (PART 2)Richard’s StoryThe five children are waiting in an old house for the rest of their school group to arrive.

They come across an old manuscript written by a boy who ran away when his mother

remarried after his father’s death.

Richard’s Story-

Master Richard’s father had a fever. His mother tried her best to coax his father to eat

something- but it was of no use. Richard asked George the gardener about his father.

Richard calls him Mr Digby. Mr Digby did not answer him but hugged him hard instead.

Lucy the maid sat by Richard’s bedside. When Richard asked if it was going to be today,she

placed her finger on his lips and said “Hush! Don’t even speak of it. Little Charlotte called

out to Richard and told him that Papa wanted to see him. He dashed as fast as he could. He

came across Reverend Coldstone but did not stop although he was asked to. The reverend

was angry. His mother was waiting at the doorway and reminded him not to cry. His father

asked him to be good to his mother and sister. His last words were –“Obey your mother’s

wishes to the letter.’

At the chapel, Mr. Coldstone consoled his mother. Richard heard him say -“When you are

mine…”. Richard studied at Mordanger school. He hated it there. Now he was home.

Charlotte realized that Richard hated his stepfather. Richard accuses that Charlotte had

forgotten about their father. Charlotte denied it and advised him not to accuse Mr Coldstone

as the murderer when their father died of fever. Nevertheless,

Richard had decided to leave the three of them.

Richard wrote in his diary that he worked in a ship. Whenever he wrote about Mr Coldstone,

he refered to him as the ‘black bat’. Twice his ship stopped at his hometown and he visited

his home only to stand like a trespasser. It had been a long time since Richard had been

home. Suddenly, he saw a note on the Captain’s table. He found out that his mother and

stepfather had died. Charlotte wrote him a letter. In the letter, Charlotte wrote that things

had been difficult as their mother spent a lot of money looking for him and they all suffered

Mr Coldstone’s anger. Charlotte married Charles Devere although she did not love him

because he had money and was willing to spend it to look for Richard. This would be the

only letter from her.

STEP BY WICKED STEP(PART 3) Claudia’s Story: Green Pyjamas

Claudia’s Mum and Dad quarreled a lot.One day, her Dad was gone to Granny’s house.

However, he dropped by for tea. Claudia overheard the name “Stella”. Her Mum and even

Granny had a row with Dad. Dad usually met Claudia at Granny’s. She missed her Dad so

much. The times spent with her Dad kept flooding back. She wanted things back the way

they used to be. For the first time, Claudia had a separate Christmas. Later, she was

introduced to Stella who was just plain and mousy. Claudia thought her mum was a whole

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lot better-looking than Stella. Claudia was rude when they went for a walk. Once back, they

quarreled and the next day, Dad moved out of Granny’s house straight into with Stella.

Claudia met her Dad off and on. Stella stayed out of it. She only made some light

conversation with Claudia like asking about her friends and school. Those moments she

would be thinking of her mum doing the house chores. After talking to her friend, Shreela,

Claudia stopped blaming Stella. Dad and Stella arranged a party for their friends. Claudia

was sent there for the day. Politely, she excused herself from the party and stayed in her

room. Stella was relieved. Out of curiosity, Claudia decided to eavesdrop. She wore the

green pyjamas given by Stella as it was the exact shade of green of the giant fern. She sat

beside the fern and listen to everything the adults downstairs were talking.

The guests spoke about everything except about Mum, Dad, Stella or Claudia. Nobody

praised Stella for the food nor even spoke to her. Claudia found that very rude as her Mum

was not there. Claudia, unable to stand the treatment Stella was getting, made a grand

appearance at the party and thanked Stella for the beautiful pyjamas she had brought for

her. Finally, everyone started noticing Stella. As for Claudia and Stella, this was the starting

point.Stella would teach Claudia how to quilt, read maps, change electric plugs and how to

skate.

STEP BY WICKED STEP (PART4) : The Bluebird of Happiness

Colin describes his stepfather whom he calls dad. He has thought of him as his biological

father all the while. His dad looks like him. His dad has dark hair with some grey patches

around his ears. His dad used to roll his own cigarettes out of tobacco in a tin. His dad calls

him by many nick names- Col, Collie, Sonny-boy, Buster, Mr Bluebird. Colin’s mum works in

a shop. His dad walks him to school and back. His dad got him his tea and took him to the

park. At the park, he used to swing as high as the bar, he swings back in such a way that his

dad would call him –The Bluebird of Happiness.

Then, Colin’s mum took him and moved away. It happened when Colin’s father had gone to

spend a day with his sister. Two friends of his mum came with a van and packed everything.

Then they went off. At first, he thought his dad will join them later. Colin was not happy-

school mates would snigger when he did not understand things. Mum found a job at a

canteen. She would be busy doing household chores when she came home. Mum was too

busy to listen to him. He compared her with his dad- his dad used to talk to him and

remembered names of his friends and teachers. Colin asked his mother many times about

his dad. He wanted to know when his dad will come home.

His mother did give him a hint about his father not having a proper job. He realized later

that his mother did not leave any clues for his dad to follow. He then wrote a letter to his

dad. But there was no reply.

Every night, Colin would take the tobacco tin out of the toe of his boot and put it under his

pillow. Then, he would hum his favourite song which was also his dad’s favourite. He would

stay awake for hours talking to his dad. He pretended that his dad was there. Colin said that

it was as if his mother thought that whatever is happening is actually happening only to her.

Then one day when he returned home from school, he realized that his mum had thrown

away his boots. The boots were too small for him but she did not know that there was a

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tobacco tin hidden in there. He did not bother to tell her because she wouldn’t have liked it.

It has been five years, eight months and seven days and Colin still remembers hit dad. He

secretly writes his dad’s name and his old address on the forms at school. Colin also tries to

save money- he does three paper rounds. He will not try to look for his dad now- perhaps

someday when he has enough money.

Colin hums slowly and when asked to sing, he says that he is saving the words till he finds

his dad. It was his favourite song- The Bluebird of Happiness. His friend Ralph consoled him

by saying that someday Colin will find his dad.

STEP BY WICKED STEP (PART 5) : A Tale of Three Stepmothers

Ralph has two brothers, two half-brothers, one half-sister, three stepbrothers, one

stepsister,three stepmothers, one stepfather, two step-grandmothers and a step-

grandfather. Living in a big family is no joke. After school on Mondays and Thursdays, he

goes directly to Dad’s place. His mum or his step dad, Howard sends him. On Tuesdays,

Wednesdays and Fridays, he goes straight to his Mum’s place. At times, he will be lost not

knowing where to go. The lunchboxes help. M for Mickey Mouse and Mum, D for Dumbo and

Dad. If he is lost, he has to look at his lunch box to confirm his destination. Edward and

George are his brothers. The boys liked Annabel, stepmother No. 1. The only problem was

she never left the boys alone with their dad.

Edward and George hated this. Dad and Annabel spent all their time kissing and cuddling.

Annabel was always on a diet. She disapproved of coffee. So the boys had to drink Dandelion

tea every morning. She loved to read out her star sign forecast in the mornings and again in

the evenings. Sometimes, she even tried to look at Edward and George to tell their aura.

However, the boys would deny anything she said.

Yet, their dad would not feel embarrassed.

One day, Brandy, Ralph’s cat was sent over as their Mum was varnishing the hall. The three

boys took Brandy in a cage. Edward had made it from a broken milk bottle crate and bits of

wire. Annabel was annoyed and blamed them to be cruel as Brandy did not have room to

breathe. Dad distracted her by pointing out that they were out of bread. Annabel insisted in

baking. The poor boys were starving to death. So, they went to the shops. They boys ate

three large loaves and before they came home, they brushed away the crumbs. Dad was

praising of how the dough had risen.

When Annabel left it on the table, Brandy leapt up on the table and sniffed the dough. Then,

Brandy lifted its paw and patted the dough. Next, Brandy curled himself comfortably into

the dough. Annabel went mad. Dad tried to stick up for Brandy. The spell between Annabel

and Dad was broken. In the end, Annabel ran off with someone and Dad searched high and

low to get the divorce papers signed.

The boys did not miss her as she was more of dad’s girlfriend than a real stepmother.

Dad then focused his attention on Janet, who was more keen on rules. However, Dad liked it.

Edward and George did not mind as they were able to spend ample time with Dad. On the

other hand, Janet was busy rushing her children to the doctors, dentist and school.

Janet’s own children, Tom, Joe and Doug and Ann moved in with the three boys.

Tom and Ann could get along with Ralph but not Joe and Doug. Mum and Howard though

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Janet was wonderful. Janet could draw up proper schedule and Mum hardly bothered as she

found Janet was easy to deal with. Due to the rules, Ralph knew he could pick up rules in no

time if he was ever anywhere. Finally Janet left. She got fed up with

Mum and Dad as they were taking advantage of her. Dad kept fixing up work trips on the

days the boys were there. He told Janet that she had four children and another three would

not make any difference. Mum started sneaking Victor’s romper suit hoping that Janet would

come across them and get the stains out before sending them back. So, Janet left. The boys

had a wonderful time after that. Unfortunately, it was only for a short period of time.

Stepmother Number 3, Flora, came into the picture. Edward met her lying on Dad’s patio

with hardly any clothes on. She had the cheek to tell Edward to cover up as she was

enjoying the sun. George met Flora when they went shopping. Flora was dumping treats like

strawberries, kiwi fruits, waffles, Belgian chocolates into the trolley. Dad was looking into

the wallet, gloomily. Ralph went the next day. When he rang the bell, Flora opened and

enquired. Ralph introduced himself. Flora blew her top as she did want to be a nanny. She

took Ralph out for a Chinese Dinner and to watch a film. Then she met some friends and

went to a coffee bar. At that time, Ralph informed his Dad of their whereabouts. Dad was

furious and scolded Flora. Flora was cool and told him not to dump the children on her

before checking her schedule. Ralph thought she was wonderful although she did all sorts of

terrible things to him. Flora was pregnant and she ate only mint sauce sandwiches. Ralph

was worried that his half sister or half brother would not be well taken care off by Flora. She

did not know how and Ralph decided to help her out. The others usually teased Ralph. Most

probably, Flora would settle in with this family.

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VIGNETTE Characters

1. Claudia’s Story : Green Pyjamas Dad’s girlfriend, Stella, who is a cook

2. Colin’s Story : The Bluebird of Happiness Colin’s immature mother

Colin’s endearing stepdad (Jack ) who calls

him many nicknames.

3. Ralph’s Story : A Tale of Three Stepmothers First stepmother, Annabelle

Second stepmother, Janet

Third stepmother, Flora

Stepdad, Howard

4. Pixie’s Story : The Pains in my Life Pixie’s stepmother, Lucy

Two stepsisters , Sophie and Hetty Payne

Pixie’s dad, whose lackadaisical attitude

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Story within ‘step by wicked step’

Colin’s Story:The Bluebird of

Happiness

Colin and his mother left his father when he was a few

weeks’ old. His mother takes up with a person

whom he thinks of as his father. However, his

immature mother also leaves this stepdad after a while. Now he misses him

so badly that it hurts.

Ralph’s Story:

A Tale of Three Stepmothers

Ralph's life, though merry, is as

complicated as a maze as he has

three stepmothers and many step-family members.

Claudia’s Story: Green Pyjamas

After Claudia’s parents’ divorce, Dad finds a girlfriend, Stella. Claudia feels disloyal to her mum whenever she has a good time with her father and his new girlfriend. Even though Stella tries her

best to be accepted by Claudia and her daddy’s friends, she is being ignored. Finally, Claudia realises her rudeness and she comes out of her closet by wearing the green pyjamas given by

Stella.

Pixie’s Story:The Pains in my Life

Pixie has to deal with two really irritating stepsisters and a father who pretends he doesn't notice how difficult things are for her. One day her stepmother ( Lucy) and

Pixie have a fight. They pour out their frustrations. Only then they realise that it is

all because of Pixie’s father who is “selfish’, ‘always pretending he didn’t

notice things’, and leaving them for Lucy to sort out the mess.

Robbo’s Story:Dumpa’s the Problem

Robbo and his sister, Callie always think that the birth of their stepbrother, Dumpa has caused numerous problems between them and their step father, Roy. When the relationship between Robbo’s mother and

Roy is on the rock, Robbo realises that Roy does not move on because Dumpa’s the problem. Finally, Robbo realises that

his mother is always stuck in between when Callie and Roy quarrel. This has

caused mum and Robbo’s stepfather to be upset.

towards his family makes things difficult

for the family to come together as a happy

one.

5. Robbo’s Story: Dumpa’s the Problem Roy ( a.k.a The Beard), Robbo’s step dad.

Callie, Robbo’s sister who hates The Beard

Dumpa, Robbo’s newly born step brother

Robbo’s mum, Hope

THEMES

VALUES

1. It is important that children should tell their parents about their real feelings and vice versa.

2. One has to be brave when facing adversities.

3. We must not judge someone without knowing all the facts. We should weigh our pros or cons, and study the facts.

4. Adults or parents should be more thoughtful in making decision as it would affect the lives of their children.

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Dealing with adversitiesYoung children and adults may find difficulties dealing with frustrations, fears and sadness.

Being happy‘Life has dealt us one hard blow, there is no reason for us to be unhappy for ever’. For example, Claudia realises it is not fair to hate her new stepmother, Stella.

Think long enough before making a decisionRichard Harwick made a rash decision to run away and that had changed the lives of his stepfather, mother and sister.Coping with changeAll pain eventually heals and that we have the power to change things for the better.

COLIN PIXIE

HAS AN IMMATURE MOTHER

His mother gets in and out of a relationship frequently

HAS AN IMMATURE AND INDIFFERENT FATHER

Her father is selfish for he always pretends that he did not notice things

Dealing with Separation and DivorceIt deals with a social phenomenon that many people are experiencing, the idea of a divorce as somehow horrible. Separation and divorce, and the events leading up to them, interrupts the stability and predictability that children need.

Family relationshipsCoping with new family members for example Pixie understands that her new stepmother is having as much trouble ‘adjusting’ as she is.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

No. Story Problem

1 Richard Clayton Harwick – My Story.Read and Weep

He could not get along with his stepfather and so he ran away from home.

2 Claudia’s Story : Green PyjamasClaudia feels disloyal to her mum whenever she has a good time with her father and his new girlfriend. Claudia becomes hostile towards Stella, disregarding all the latter’s effort to warm up to her.

3 Colin’s Story : The Bluebird of Happiness

Colin and Mum leave Jack, the only ‘father’ figure Colin ever knew. This causes him to miss Jack so badly that it hurts. He is still pining for Jack and hopes to save enough money one day so that he can be with his stepdad again.

4 Ralph’s Story: A Tale of Three Stepmothers

He has to deal with too many step family members and relatives as a result of his immature parents’ decisions.

5 Pixie’s Story : The Pains in My LifeShe has to deal with two really irritating stepsisters and a father who pretends he doesn't notice how difficult things are for her.

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DREAMY

He drifts through the hours of each school day as if his thoughts were hundreds of miles away.

SELFLESS

He asks for cash instead of Christmas presents so that he will be able to save enough money to look for his stepdad.

COULD GET ALONG WELL WITH STEPDAD, JACK

The thing about Dad is you can talk to him.

FIERY

-her stepsisters drive her up the wall- She almost doesn’t want to bother to see her father anymore-she can’t stand it when people sneer at her.

SELFISH

-I’d have a bedroom to myself

- Do you think it would kill him( Dad) to try and stick up for me once in a while….?

COULD NOT GET ALONG WELL WITH STEPMUM, LUCY

- ‘And I didn’t choose you, either,’ Lucy pointed out. ‘But I still try to get along with you.’

6 Robbo’s Story : Dumpa’s The ProblemRobbo and his sister, Callie always think that the birth of their stepbrother, Dumpa has caused numerous problems between them and their stepfather, Roy. When the relationship between Robbo’s mother and Roy is on the rock, Robbo realises that Roy does not move on because Dumpa’s the problem. Finally, Robbo realises that his mother is always stuck in between when Callie and Roy quarrel. This has caused mum and Robbo’s stepfather to be upset.

The novel I have chosen is ‘Step by wicked step’ written by Anne Fine. Colin and Claudia are the two characters I have chosen to compare and contrast. Although they are two differing characters, they also have some similarities.

Both Colin and Claudia come from broken or separated families. They both have step parents. Colin’s mother has left his biological father and `took up’ with Jack. Jack is the only ‘father’ figure Colin ever know. However, Colin’s mum leaves Jack after a while. This causes him to miss Jack so badly that it hurts. On the other hand, Claudia’s father has left her mother for another woman, Stella. She feels disloyal to her mum whenever she has a good time with her father and Stella. Both Colin and Claudia really want their parents to reconcile as they pine for how it used to be when they were happy.

Colin and Claudia also do not adapt to the drastic changes their families undergo. Colin’s unwavering loyalty and want for his ‘dad’ to be back and Claudia’s misguided loyalty to her mother shows that these two characters find difficulties dealing with changes. There are frustrations, fear and sadness. Furthermore, both Colin’s and Claudia’s mothers do not take their emotions into consideration. It is as though everything is only happening to them, and will never have an impact on the children.

However, Colin and Claudia are markedly different individuals. They deal with the changes in their respective families differently; Colin is portrayed as a boy always pining for his ‘father’ even after five whole years. However, Claudia becomes hostile towards the new lady in her life, Stella, disregarding all the latter’s efforts to warm up to her.

Both Colin and Claudia have different personalities too. Colin is a dreamer who dreams of an ideal life where his ‘dad’ and mother will be together forever and happy. He secretly keeps his ‘father’s’ tobacco tin and saves money so that he can look for him one day. This makes him too depending on his stepdad and emotionally attached to him. This is probably due to the fact that he needs love from a man called ‘father’. Claudia is more of a sensible and rational person. After seeing her dad’s friends ignoring Stella and judging it as ‘rude’, she goes to compliment Stella on her stellar choice of green pyjamas. Claudia is more independent and is not afraid to voice her opinions. Unlike Colin, Claudia is brave in coming to terms with her parents’ separation. She is independent and not afraid to voice her opinions.

Even though they experience broken family relationships and find it difficult to accept changes, the way Colin and Claudia accept new additional member of the family is different. They have different views in accepting reality and this has made the story more inspiring and colourful.

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Form 5Nature

This poem is about celebration. It is a descriptive poem about the changing scenes. It celebrates the richness of the land’s produce and how alive and plentiful Nature is. However, amidst the harsh rain and lashing wind, things are always bright and glorious when the sun shines again.

SETTING

The poem is set in Jamaica. The poet uses nature and describes the weather being hot and wet. The poet also uses trees, bushes, flowers, and fruits to portray nature as alive and abundant. The weather is seen as bright and sunny with flowers in full bloom. If it turns wet with its torrential rain and gushing wind, or when water swirls on the ground and nature is in mayhem, it will all eventually pass. He shares his enthusiasm and gratitude and appreciation for nature as the poem ends.

TONE AND MOOD

H.D. Carberry uses a joyful and casual tone. He celebrates nature using words like ‘gold’, ‘magnificent’, stars’ and ‘beauty’. His light-hearted mood invites the readers to celebrate Jamaica’s opulent nature.

THEME

1) Celebrating nature yet be humbled by it

The wonder of nature should be admired and revered as its power is limitless and unpredictable. Weather changes in a wink of an eye, latent one moment and the other, unleashing its destructive force. The same weather can be stagnant one moment and the next revitalizing the earth with growth and beauty the next.

2) Cycle of life

Though, we are saddened at the passing of beauty and life, we must learn that it is the natural cycle of life. Nature has its moments of life and death; moments of construction and destruction. When the struggle is over, we will see the rejuvenated nature blossoming itself.

3) Appreciating one’s country

Life in one’s country has its share of ups and downs but one must always look at the brighter side of life. In this poem, the poet stresses on his country’s weather being sunny, rainy and windy. He mentions its produce of mango and honey, and the beauty of its canefields and the openness of the countryside. The poet states that we must appreciate what we have.

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How can you LINK things that happens in the poem ‘Nature’ to your own life?

* Instead of canefields, we have paddy fields in Malaysia.* Leaves fall from rambutan or ciku trees.* Days when rambutan or papaya or rambutan tree blossom.* Sound of bees or flies or mosquitoes.* Tall grass sway in our garden or open spaces.

Assessment 1Assessment 1

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What do you WONDER as you read the poem ‘Nature’?

* How hot the Sun is?* How vast the canefiled is?* How heavy the rain is?* How water moves in the gullies?* How the canefield will look bare?* How loud the sound of bees is?* How low do the tall grass sway?* How beautiful the earth look paved with buttercups?

What SENSORY descriptions are included in the poem ‘Nature’ (sight, taste, smell,

hearing, touch)?

* hearing = swish of water, sound of bees, beats like bullets,

* sight =gold sun shine, lush green, trees struggling, tall grass sways, yellow stars

* smell = scent of honey,

What do you OBSERVE as you read the poem ‘Nature’?

* sun* canefield* rain* roofs* water* gullies* trees* leaves* guango trees* logwood* bushes* bees* honey comb* tall grass* buttercups

SUNNY DAYS RAINY AND WINDY DAYSWhen the gold sun shines on the lush green canefields - Magnificently

The days when the rain beats like bullets on the roofs

But best of all there are the days when the mango and the logwood blossom

And there is no sound but the swish of water in the gullies

When the bushes are full of the sound of bees and the scent of honey

And trees struggling in the high Jamaica winds

When the tall grass sways and shivers to the slightest breath of air

Also there are the days when leaves fade from off guango trees

When the buttercups have paved the earth with yellow stars

And the reaped canefields lie bare and fallow to the sun

And beauty comes suddenly and the rains have gone

SUNNY DAYS RAINY AND WINDY DAYSLush green paddy fields and trees Flashing lightning and thunderSeasonal fruits and local fruits Rains cats and dogsConstant sound of insects LandslidesTall grass Flash floodsFlame the forests, bougainvillea, hibiscus etc

Roof tops get blown away/damaged

Rainbows sometimes seen after the rain Crops get damaged

Theme : A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work.

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