Mates, Dates and Flirting by Cathy Hopkins (From Worcester News)

Mates, Dates and Flirting is a girl's guide to make-overs, chatting up boys and snogging.

It's devided into fun sections, such as 'Are boys really from another planet?' but could do with an index to be even more helpful.

Four fictional friends give their various tips on how to be better with boys and there are also fun quizzes to do with your mates.

This book had my friends and I in hysterics. Some of the observations - such as 'boys are pack animals. Once one of them thinks you're cute, they all will,' were spot on. Others, such as the golden rules to dating, were less inspired.

Although there will be lots of girls out there glad to get the make-up tips and advice in this book, I think it under-emphasised the point that being yourself is paramount. There was one 'golden rule' about never being funnier than a boy that I particularly took offence to. What would Dawn French or Catherine Tate say?

That aside, this book is good fun and could help many a young lady increase their confidence with the opposite sex.