In 1992, English writer Anne Fine’s children’s novel Flour Babies was first published in Hamilton. This award-winning novel tells the story of how Simon Martin learns about responsibility and parenthood when he accidentally gets involved in a boring child development experiment that requires him to care for a sack of flour for three long weeks.

Fine mentioned in an interview that at the age of ten or so, children will suddenly start to be aware of themselves. This realisation marks their first step out of their little worlds and into adulthood. When did this sudden realisation hit Simon, and what significance does it have on his mental maturation?

How did Simon and his friends’ feelings for their ‘babies’ change over the course of time and events? What does his emotions at each stage tell you about his personality or desires? How does this experiment help Simon come to terms with his father’s departure and appreciate the ones that stayed behind for him?