The Long Grass Tunnel The Long Grass Tunnel is an adventure story for 7 to 11 year olds, to appeal to boys, in particular. The main characters are Dave, who is a normal, curious boy, about 10 years old; his friend, Tim; a tall, long-haired man dressed in black who drives a large semi-trailer; and Dave s family his mother with whom he lives, and grand-parents, Grampa and Gran who live in Sydney. There are four main settings:- the grassy reeds of creek in the local park and the nearby houses including Dave s own home; his local school; and holiday visit to Sydney. Dave rides his in the creek which has long grassy reeds along one bank. Across a foot-bridge over the creek is an open area where a semi-trailer which fascinates Dave, is often parked. On a holiday visit to his grandparents Dave sees the truck again. From the school tower Dave and Tim can see the whole area very clearly. Home is both refuge and a scarey place after a fire scare and an intruder. Dave is an observant, adventurous boy who loves the ducks at the local creek, and his bike, in fact, any machine on wheels. He observes a semi-trailer parked locally, sees its comings and goings, and the strange actions of its driver. On holiday in Sydney with his grandparents, he again sees the truck, recognizing its registration number. What a coincidence! But he was surprised to see, after a few days, it was a different colour and noticed the number plate had changed. So he is puzzled. Back home Dave and Tim find tools in a long grass tunnel by the creek, not once but twice. He also discovered the semi-trailer rig was a different colour again very curious!! Dave makes a list of facts and queries and talked to his mum and Grampa. In the night they are disturbed first by a fire engine s flashing light and siren, and then an intruder who escaped after Dave s mother went to investigate. What lingered was a fishy smell! Dave s list of facts and queries were of assistance to police who respond to his mother s emergency call. With the evidence of them all --- Mum, Dave, Tim, Grampa and the police, the mystery is sorted out! The truck was observed being repainted, the thief arrested and a series of robberies solved. Needless to say, young Dave is praised by family, police and school. At last he belongs in his new place. And yes, he thinks he d like to be a policeman!! There are 5420 words (including chapter headings) in this story for children, written to appeal to those of primary school age. It is based in a real setting with real children, much like Enid Blyton s adventures which have long-term appeal. This has already been enjoyed by ages between 7 and 77 !