Warm and wise tale about new families. Everyone comments on Meg's sunny smile, and she's put it to good use as a model for her mum's range of bridesmaids' dresses at wedding fairs. It's always been just Meg and Mum, but then Mum meets Danny and is swept off her feet - right onto a grotty old river barge. Soon Meg is discovering the 'joys' of river living in a house full of boys, and there's not much call for her sunshine smile...Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+

Karen McCombie is a bestselling author for children and teenagers, best known for the series Ally’s World, Angels Next Door and You, Me and Thing. Before becoming an author she worked for teen magazines such as J-17 and Sugar, in roles as diverse as fashion editor, quiz writer and pet correspondent. Originally from Scotland, she now lives in London with her husband, young daughter and assorted cats, who all give her inspiration for her books, whether they like it or not.

Cathy has been doodling since she could hold a crayon. She went to art college and then travelled the world working in theatre, fashion and design before settling on a career in children’s books. Cathy also writes animation film scripts, graphic novels and illustrates other people’s books, in between blogging, teaching design and touring around the country. She lives in Surrey.