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Mirabelle made her money and her mistakes back in her
twenties as a rock star. Wanting to make up for lost time, she
needed a new direction in life. Should she become an infant
teacher, or transport an assorted collection of animals round the
world? The latter seemed the easier option, and Mirabelle chartered
an elegant, old, faded liner. Her eyes are now firmly on the
horizon, which leaves her children with rather more to do than the
average six year old - which is probably no bad
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Ted
for many years watched his idol Mirabelle from the wings as one of
her roadies. When she left showbiz behind, he couldn't believe his
luck when she asked him to join her on her voyage into a new life.
They adopted Fiz, Bradley and Flo, and their mutual joy was sealed
when Baby Bunting was born. Ted is now delighted to be First Mate
in the round-the-world voyage of the SS Mathematical, and to
lend his steady determination to Mirabelle's
inspiration.
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Fiz
is full of energy, never daunted, least of all by being in a
wheelchair. 'Let's do it!' is her motto, and action usually comes
before thought. She is seldom still, occasionally at loggerheads
with Bradley, but always ready to give things a go with a full
heart and her turbo-powered wheelchair.
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Bradley is one of life's careful characters. He likes to
keep things under control, and sometimes clutches his clipboard to
himself as another child might cuddle a teddy. He rather expects
disaster, and very often he's right. 'It's all going wrong!' is his
usual plaintive cry.
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Flo
is younger than Fiz and Bradley, and a lot calmer than either of
them. 'Let's think about it', is what she often advises. She is
sensitive as well as being sensible. She is the only one who can
reliably understand what the animals are talking
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Baby Bunting turns up when least
expected. He has a way of causing and even enjoying a crisis, and
is fortunately indestructible. Renowned and named for his
flags-of-all-nations underwear, he is both a trial and a delight to
the rest of his family.
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The twenty animal passengers are an interesting
mix. Mr. Elephant, Mr. Rhino, Mr. Moose, Mr. Lion, Mr. Tiger, Mrs.
Zebra, Mr. Crocodile, Mr. Buffalo, Mrs. Giraffe, Ms. Penguin, Ms.
Ostrich, Ms. Turtle, Mr. Polar Bear, Mrs. Snake, Mrs. Kangaroo,
Mrs. Hippo, Ms Monkey, Mr. Gorilla, Mrs. Camel and Mrs. Panda are a
cheerful but demanding group of passengers, whose animal urges -
for food, fun and entertainment - pose endless mathematical
problems for the Number Crew.
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Matthew Lyons is our guide to the shipboard
goings-on. Back on shore he spends his time cheerfully on the
beach, ready to dispense mathematical toys and knowledge to anyone
who's interested. With his cuddly numbers, his spectacular Number
Line, his Number Car, his set and Try Your Skill Booth, he'll sing,
dance, explain, live, breathe and teach
maths.
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