Presented for the first time in paperback reader format, a classic anthology of Dick King-Smith’s real-life animal encounters, narrated with anecdotal charm.

With an autobiographical foreword from the author, this collection traces Dick King-Smith’s journey from boy to farmer, from soldier to favourite children’s author – always in the company of his irrepressible animal friends. From Dodo the film-star Daschund to a cabbage-eating shark; from a night of badger-biffing to a tortie cat with one hundred and four kittens; from the cat who thinks he’s one of the dogs to a dog who fosters orphaned kittens … wherever Dick King-Smith goes, curious animals are sure to follow. So find a cosy spot, curl up by the fireside and feel the glow of that old Dick King-Smith animal magic – purrrrrrrrrr.

Creators

Dick King-Smith (1922-2011), a former dairy farmer, is one of the world's favourite children's book authors, writing over 100 books in his lifetime. He won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for The Sheep-pig (filmed as Babe) and was named Children's Book Author of the Year in 1991. He is also the author of Walker's much-loved Sophie series.

Anita Jeram is the illustrator of the worldwide bestselling picture book Guess How Much I Love You, which was shortlisted for the 1994 Kurt Maschler Award. She also illustrated Dick King-Smith’s All Pigs Are Beautiful, and is the author-illustrator of Bunny, My Honey and I Love My Little Storybook. Anita lives in Northern Ireland with her family and a menagerie of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, toads, a lizard and a snake.

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