The fifth gloriously funny and poignant book in Jean Ure’s series of ‘secret’ diary stories. Lily and Violet are twins – physically identical but quite opposite in character. Lily is brash, up-front and in your face. Lily Loudmouth, her dad calls her. Violet is timid and shy. She lives very much in Lily’s shadow – a shrinking violet. Finding it difficult to make friends, Violet finds the perfect solution in Katie, her new pen pal. Soon the two are writing at a fast and furious pace and become very attached to each other. That is, until Katie suggests that they meet… Shrinking Violet Grown-ups love Bridget Jones’ diary, but youngsters will adore Violet Alexander’s. Liverpool Echo Excellent for any nine-up and will almost certainly lead to an addiction to Ure. Observer As an example of pre-adolescent confessional writing, this story is faithfully realistic. Independent Becky Bananas ‘The writing transcends any trace of heaviness.’ Guardian Fruit and Nutcase ‘Jean Ure never puts a foot wrong.’ Daily Telegraph The Secret Life of Sally Tomato ‘Rhymes, sauciness, letters, irony, comedy, comic characters… a proper little turn-on for boys. A must-buy book.’ Books for Keeps Jean Ure was born in Surrey and, when growing up, knew that she was going to be a writer or a ballet dancer. She began writing when she was six years old and had her first book published while she was still at school. Jean is a vegan and animal lover. She lives with her husband, seven dogs and four cats in a 300 year old house in Croydon.