First published in 1984, Badger On The Barge was Janni Howker's first book and was deservedly short-listed for both the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal. There are five stories, each dealing with the special relationship between the young and the old. A generation skipped can make a powerful difference in the way people relate to one another, especially when the missing generation is a parent. All the stories take an adolescent who feels alienated from their parents for some reason, and gives them an older adult from whom they can learn without ever being taught. Those of us who have benefited from such a non-judgemental relationship with an old person can vouch for just how valuable it can be.