The plot itself is by no means intricate, it's the ideas that count. It deals with the Ben, the main character, and the way he compensates for his own shortcomings and the gaps in his otherwise happy life by inventing an imaginary dog, the fearless chihuahua Chiquitita. But when he is finally presented with his dream of a real flesh and blood puppy, he learns that fantasy and reality are very different things.

I cried buckets the first time I read this aged nine and then did it all over again when I revisited it in my 20s for a university essay. I defy anyone to read the last few pages without being tempted to shout at loud at Ben to make him see sense...