Free Lulu Bell and the Pyjama Party by Belinda Murrell

Chapter 1
Saturday Morning
    It was early when Lulu Bell opened her eyes. She nearly rolled over and went back to sleep, but then she remembered. It was Saturday morning – hurray! Lulu loved Saturdays. And this was to be a very special one, because Mum had organised a pyjama party.
    Lulu’s best friend Molly was coming to stay. So was her little brother Sam.Even Ebony the kitten was coming for the sleepover.
    Lulu jumped out of bed. Lulu’s sister Rosie was still asleep in the bed opposite, her dark hair fanned out on the pillow. Lulu got dressed quickly and quietly. Saturday was also soccer day, so Lulu pulled on her team uniform. There was a sky-blue soccer shirt, white shorts, shin pads and long blue socks.

    She picked up her soccer boots and ran into the kitchen.
    Lulu’s mum was sitting at the table and reading the newspaper.
    â€˜Good morning, honey bun,’ said Mum. ‘Did you have a lovely sleep?’
    Her dad was at the kitchen bench.
    â€˜How’s my little soccer star?’ asked Dad. ‘Are you ready for the big game against the Mighty Sharks?’
    Lulu gave them both a good morning hug as she answered their questions. She stood behind the kitchen bench and helped Dad crack eggs into a bowl.

    Next Dad sliced up mushrooms for the omelette. Dad and Lulu always made a special breakfast on Saturday mornings.
    Lulu looked at the clock on the kitchen wall. Her brown eyes danced with excitement.
    â€˜What time are they coming?’ she asked.
    She whisked the eggs with a little milk.
    â€˜It’s seven o’clock,’ said Mum. ‘Molly and Sam should be here any minute.’
    Just then the doorbell rang.
    â€˜They’re here,’ cried Lulu.
    She raced to the front door, followed by two brown dogs.
    Outside stood Molly, Sam and their mum Tien. They were carrying their sleeping bags and pillows. Molly was also dressed in her sky-blue soccer uniform.

    Tien was holding a small carry cage and two overnight bags. One of Lulu’s dogs, Jessie, sniffed at the cage.
    Meow , cried a cross voice from inside. Ebony the kitten didn’t like being sniffed at.
    â€˜Hello, Molly,’ cried Lulu. ‘Hello, Tien and Sam. Come in.’
    â€˜Hello, Lulu,’ said Molly and Tien together.
    Tien was dressed in her high heels and a suit. She was going away for the weekend for work.
    Sam didn’t say anything. He looked up at Lulu with big, dark eyes. He held his mum’s hand tightly.
    Everyone came inside. Mum welcomed them.
    â€˜Put your pillows and sleeping bags in the lounge room,’ suggested Mum. ‘I thought you could all sleep in there tonight in front of the fire.’
    â€˜Mum said we can toast somemarshmallows over the fire,’ said Lulu. ‘Just like camping.’
    Molly and Lulu stacked the bedding neatly near the sofa. Rosie and Gus came in then. All the commotion had woken them up. Gus rubbed his eyes and yawned.
    Dad popped his head around the door to say hello. Sam looked around at all the people and shrank closer to his mother’s side.
    â€˜Do you have time for a cup of tea?’ Mum asked Tien.
    Tien checked her watch. ‘No, I have to get going,’ she replied. ‘Thanks so much for having the children for me. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.’
    â€˜It’s a pleasure,’ replied Mum. ‘You know we love having Molly, Sam and Ebony any time.’
    Sam buried his face against his mother’s skirt. Tien hugged him close. She lowered her voice.
    â€˜Sam’s feeling a little shy,’ explained Tien. ‘He’s never stayed away from home before.’
    Lulu came over to Sam. She threw her honey-coloured plait over her shoulder and crouched down beside him.

    â€˜Don’t worry, Sam,’ said Lulu. ‘We’re going to have so much fun. We havesoccer this morning. Then we can play games and eat party food. You’ll love it, I promise.’
    Sam