But the competition is tough, and bully Ben Sticker's dad wins every year... can Charlie give Mr Sticker a run for his money?
Charlie sets about ensuring her habanero is in fantastic condition by doing a weigh, measure and taste test. Only thing is, she uses the kitchen chopping board to slice up a chilli and forgets to wash it afterwards. When Charlie's Mum's boss arrives for dinner that night, you can imagine the chaos over the chilli-infused fruit salad!
Oops!
Next day, Charlie takes her prized chilli plant to school for a talk on hobbies - and when her teacher samples a chilli and runs howling from the room - Charlie knows she stands a good chance of winning the Chilli Competition. But there's subterfuge afoot... Ben Sticker and his mates maim Charlie's plant, leaving only a tiny stub of a baby chilli. How will she enter the competition now?
Being a tough young cookie, Charlie is not discouraged. She instead sets about finding a way to grow this baby chilli - and fast. The idea she comes up with is brilliant... and it works - but is it enough for her to win the Flaming Chilli Comp?
Author Sheryl Gwyther has come up with yet another humorous, warm tale, plumped with imagination and fun. She seamlessly marries a relatable storyline with interesting facts and figures, making this a book as educational as it is entertaining.
Hot stuff.
Title: Charlie and the Red Hot Chilli Pepper
Author: Sheryl Gwyther
Illustrator: Richard Hoit
Publisher: Pearson, A$8.95RRP + postage
Publication Date: October 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781442525641
For ages: 5-10
Type: Chapter Book
This book is available online
