This is the first title in Jean Ure’s acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children. Cherry's mother has just re-married, much to Cherry's disgust.

The worst thing about her step-father is his name: Roland Butter.

Can you imagine? Cherry's best friend, Skinny Melon, is a sounding board for all Cherry's angsts – Roland's allergies for one – who wants a wimpy step-father, all sniffly and red-eyed?

All this and curried compost school dinners to contend with. But when Roland starts sending Cherry coded messages, her curiosity is aroused.

Will she ever learn to live with, and even like, Roland Butter?