Animals are often anthropomorphized in children's books. Then came the idea of taking the process a stage further by illustrating various animals with medical problems that afflict humans. Whoever heard of a pig with halitosis, or a snake that lost a fang?
Always written in humorous, but simple verse, to appeal to the child in each adult as well as the child itself.
Included is a lion that has lost his teeth, and feels shame and a parrot that won't let any one look in his mouth. Has he got teeth?
Finally, a story about a rat with compassion.
The five animals featured in the book all tell a story, with a happy ending as all children's books should have. The characters come to life because of the amazing artwork, especially as some animals are old but still sensitively and humorously depicted.