3 Little Big Noses

CHAPTER 3 Little Big Noses We answer the video phone. It's Mr Big Nose, our publisher.

'What took you so long?' he barks. 'I'm a busy man, you know!' 'I know,' I say. 'Sorry. Are you calling about the book?' 'No,' he says. 'I'm actually calling about some babysitting.' Terry looks at me. I look at Terry. Madam Know-it-all was right again! 'I need you to look after my grandchildren,' says Mr Big Nose. 'They are staying with Mrs Big Nose and

me, but we have tickets to the opera tonight— Il Bignosio d' Explodio.' 'Is that the story about the guy whose nose gets longer every time he tells a lie?' says Terry. 'I love that one!' 'No,' says Mr Big Nose, 'that's Pinocchio—just a silly children's story. I'm talking about opera— serious opera. Il Bignosio d' Explodio speaks of matters far

above your heads. Art, truth, beauty, exploding noses… in fact, it starts with the most explosive operatic aria of all time! Here, I'll sing it for you.'

'Oh, bravo, bravo!' says Terry.

'That was il magnifico de stupendio!' 'Thank you,' says Mr Big Nose, taking a big bow. 'Um, about the babysitting, Mr Big Nose,' I say. 'I'm not sure that's such a good idea. I mean, Terry and I are not really qualified.'