Courtney

When the children choose a dog, their only criterion is that it should be one 'that nobody wants'. Their choice, Courtney, proves to have amazing talents - he's a chef, waiter, violinist, juggler, housekeeper extraordinaire, baby-entertainer and life-saver. But Courtney is not the sort of dog to have an owner and when he vanishes one day, he remains untraceable. Yet, when a catastrophe is about to befall the family, who or what arrives to save them ... With its realistic tone and humorous, strongly characterised illustrations, this book makes meeting Courtney a privileged and enjoyable encounter. This is classic Burningham, on a par with such titles as Mr Gumpy's Outing and Avocado Baby.