Laura is very sad because her parents have separated. She tries to think of ways of getting them back together, but they don't respond. When mum announces that a new friend is coming to dinner, Laura decides she will be very difficult and put him off. But John is very laid back about her attempts to be irritating, and she must admit to herself that she quite likes him. Older brother Thomas seems to think that John will be good for their mum, and even dad, when Laura tells him, is quite positive. Just in case he may feel hurt, she says to him, 'You will always be my dad'. Excellent illustrations that set the mood very well.