The Pet Itch by Elli Woollard and Elina Ellis (Maverick Books)

We're huge fans of Elli Woollard's peerless poetry. Just go and take a look at her brilliant "Taking Words for a Stroll" website and her fabulous article for us on rhyming children's books and you'll see just how talented she is.

OR, alternatively, dive into this tale from Maverick Books. "The Pet Itch" by Elli and the equally talented Elina Ellis is a tale that may have a ring of familiarity to it, certainly for any parents who have fended off constant clamouring demands from their children for "a pet, any pet, the grosser the better".

When a young monster makes such a demand of his parents, they umm and ahh so it's up to the monster and his know-it-all sister to try and swing things their way.

Step forward "The Pet Itch", it's a fuzzy hairy fang-toothed little beastie that just happens to look absolutely fabulous in a tutu and a pair of pink wings. Awww.

Charlotte loved the itch, and as you can see from our header image, the itch is such a fab little character though you really wouldn't want to eat one, would you? Well, would you? But this is the plan. Maurice the Monster and Little Sis decide that the only way they'll win their parents over would be to make the itch look as cute as possible, then threaten to scoff it with a side order of ketchup and fries. EEK!

Needless to say, no one wants to see the poor defenceless little itch get eaten so it stays...and then the real fun begins. Because what's the first thing most kids do with their pets once they get them? Train them to be a pain in the bum!

We have to admit to liking Elli's work a lot. Charlotte loved this itchy little tale, and I must admit to finding Elina's artwork slightly itch-inducing but really fabulous too.

Next time you get the urge to itch, don't scratch this one out!

Charlotte's best bit: Little Sister's idea of an itch's sunday best. Cute!

Daddy's favourite bit: Elli is a superstar and Elina's art is wonderful. Top work both!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Maverick Books)