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Absolute Zero (novel) facts for kids

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Absolute Zero
Helen Cresswell - Absolute Zero.jpeg
First edition
Author Helen Cresswell
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Series The Bagthorpe Saga
Genre Children's literature, humour
Publisher Faber and Faber
Publication date
1978
Media type Print (hardback and paperback)
ISBN 978-0-571-11155-8
OCLC 4465174
LC Class PZ7.C8645 Ab
Preceded by Ordinary Jack 
Followed by Bagthorpes Unlimited 

Absolute Zero is a funny children's novel written by Helen Cresswell in 1978. It's the second book in her popular series, the Bagthorpe Saga.

Meet the Bagthorpes

The Bagthorpe family lives in a place called Unicorn House. It's somewhere in the United Kingdom. The closest big town is Aysham, which is a made-up place.

The main character is Jack Bagthorpe. He has a dog named Zero. The Bagthorpes are a very unusual family. They often get into funny situations. In this book, they become obsessed with entering all sorts of competitions.

What Happens in the Story

The story kicks off when Uncle Parker wins a trip to the Caribbean! He won it in a caption contest. Of course, the rest of the Bagthorpe family can't let that go. They immediately start entering every competition they can find. They want to win even better prizes! Sometimes, just getting an entry form before anyone else feels like a big win.

While the Parkers are away on their trip, their energetic four-year-old cousin Daisy comes to stay. Uncle Parker said her habit of setting fires was over. But he forgot to mention her new obsession! Daisy starts causing chaos in the house. She uses things like paint, face powder, and water. She even has an invisible friend named Arry Awk who seems to help her.

During all this craziness, Grandma gets into trouble with the police. Mrs. Fosdyke, who helps around the house, starts serving very strange meals. Imagine eating oxtail trifle! The children are busy too. They are wrapping up all the unwanted prizes they've won to give each other for Christmas.

Eventually, the Bagthorpes do get a chance at fame and happiness. But with this family, things often go wrong in the funniest ways. Get ready for history to repeat itself, but even bigger and better!

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