Tim Hopgood worked as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator for twenty years before turning his hand to children's books. He has been shortlisted for both the Red House Book Award and the British Book Design Awards, and in 2008 he won Best Emerging Illustrator as the Booktrust Early Years Awards. He is married with two teenage children and lives in the centre of York.

Pets come in all shapes and sizes. Some are grumpy, some are noisy and some make a lot of mess. Others want their tummies tickled, or to dance all day on the stairs.

Next time your neighbour asks you to look after their pets, make sure YOU know just what you're letting yourself in for.

A tale full of strange surprises!