Free Lulu Bell and the Arabian Nights by Belinda Murrell Page B

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    â€˜Cocky,’ called Lulu. One of the cockatoos hopped from foot to foot. Then he spread his wings and flew towards Lulu. He landed on Lulu’s arm. Gently he took the seed in his curved beak and crunched it.
    Another cockatoo flew over and landed on Lulu’s shoulder. He had a scarred foot with a missing toe. Lulu fed him a seed.
    The rest of Lulu’s family came to the door to watch. Mum closed the back door so the dogs wouldn’t scare away the birds.
    â€˜Wow,’ said Nanna. ‘Lulu, you are amazing. You have wild cockatoos eating out of your hand!’
    Lulu took the rest of the seeds and held them in the palm of her hand.
    The third cockatoo joined the party. He perched on the heel of Lulu’s hand, his head on one side, begging for a seed. Lulu held her arms still so they could peck up the rest of the seeds.

    â€˜They come to visit us most afternoons,’ said Lulu. ‘They love eating sunflower seeds or nuts. We’ve given them all names. Let me introduce Rocky, Cocky and Locky.’
    Nanna laughed. ‘And can you tell them apart?’
    Lulu nodded. ‘Yes. Rocky is the oldest so he’s looking a bit scarred. Cocky is the boldest and Locky is the handsomest.’
    â€˜Hello, Cocky,’ yelled Gus. He stretched his arms wide and rushed forward. The cockatoos flew into the air with a screech. They wheeled up in the grey sky and flew away.
    â€˜Gus,’ scolded Lulu with one hand on her hip. ‘How many times have I told you not to frighten the birds?’

Chapter 3
The New Girl
    On Tuesday morning, Lulu was at Shelly Beach School. Her new year four teacher Mr Newbold was sitting at his desk marking the roll.
    There was a knock at the door. Mrs Poole from the office came in. Beside her was a girl with very long, straight, dark hair. Lulu thought she looked scared.

    â€˜Good morning, 4N,’ said Mrs Poole. ‘We have a student new to Shelly Beach School. Her name is Amira. I hope you all make her feel welcome.’
    Mr Newbold stood up and smiled at her. Amira looked down at her toes.
    â€˜Welcome to 4N, Amira,’ said Mr Newbold.
    He turned to the class. ‘Molly, would you mind moving to sit near Lauren?’ he said. ‘Amira, you can sit next to Lulu. She’ll look after you and help you settle in.’
    Molly gathered up her pencils and books. She moved to sit beside Lauren. Amira sat down beside Lulu.
    â€˜Hi, Amira,’ said Lulu. ‘My name is Lulu Bell.’

    Amira whispered something as she unpacked her pencil case but Lulu didn’t quite hear.
    Mr Newbold walked back to his desk. ‘As you all know, next Tuesday is Harmony Day.
    â€˜Today we find out what country our class will celebrate. And the principal has asked me if our class can do the special performance this year.’
    A buzz of excitement rippled around the classroom.
    â€˜So we need to come up with a fantastic idea for the show,’ said Mr Newbold. ‘But first we need to do some work.’
    â€˜Oooh,’ groaned the class.
    The morning sped by as the class did reading in groups and then maths. Lulu loved maths. It was one of her favourite subjects.
    After maths it was recess. Lulu and her friends went out to where their bags were hanging on hooks. Everyone was laughing and chatting as they found their hats and food. Amira looked around at the commotion.
    Lulu took her apple out of her backpack. She turned to Amira and smiled.
    â€˜We usually play handball at recess,’ said Lulu. ‘Would you like to join us?’
    â€˜I need something from the office,’ whispered Amira.
    â€˜Would you like me to take you?’ asked Lulu.
    Amira shook her head. ‘I know where it is.’
    â€˜Come and find us afterwards,’ said Lulu. ‘We play on the handball courts near the front gate.’
    Amira nodded.
    Handball was the most popular playground game at Shelly Beach School. A big group of Lulu’s