Blinky Bill and Nutsy by Dorothy Wall

Do you remember that bad lad called Blinky Bill? Yes? I thought you would. Well, just listen to the news I have to tell you. He has escaped from the zoo! Yes, escaped! He is back in the bush again. More exciting still, his mother is there too, and a little girl koala called Nutsy, who Blinky says is his girl friend. You can imagine how bold he is when he talks like that. I really think he has become fifty times worse since he lived at the zoo. I suppose it is the environment. All those cheeky monkeys, next door to him, and all kinds of little boys passing cheekier remarks as they discussed the animals in the zoo. No wonder the poor child has grown so bold. And less wonder that Mrs Koala has two deep wrinkles on her forehead, and an even more surprised look than usual on her face. She told me in confidence that she's surprised at _nothing_ nowadays. So you can imagine what sort of a time _she's_ been having. Splodge, a gentleman of the bush, a kangaroo also in captivity at the zoo, proved himself a loyal friend by helping the koalas to escape--while he also did the vanishing trick. Peanuts, were the cause of it all. When I tell you how it all happened I know you'll clap your hands and say "Good old Splodge". He told me the news himself. So I know it's perfectly true.

D.W.