"I put my hand where she has traced hers. And she does the same, putting her hand on mine. 'We're best friends now, aren't we' she says 'friends forever'. 'Best friends forever' I whisper"

When the Rileys move in next door, Lily and Ella become the best of friends. Lily and her brother Jake are around there all the time, playing with Ella and Danny and listening to Aunty Maisie's stories about her possum skin rug. But Lily can't understand why her dad doesn't like the Riley's and she doesn't like the things he says about them. Why is he being so horrible and mean? Why doesn't he want them to go over there?

I really enjoyed watching the relationship blossom in this book, focusing on all the things each of the characters had in common rather than the differences. The football culture, love of story telling, creating music together and cooking ad eating as well as exploring nature together. When Jake gets into trouble at the end of the book, disagreements are resolved because everyone just wants the best for their kids. Written in a very gentle way suitable for young readers. ( )